Jose Mourinho begins his first pre-season as manager of Real Madrid today, facing several key objectives. While most first-team players are not yet available, the Portuguese coach must immediately make decisions regarding the futures of those currently present in Madrid.

The manager intends to closely monitor every player during the pre-season to develop a clear blueprint for the upcoming year, including an assessment of his reliance on each individual. One player whose immediate future depends on this evaluation is Franco Mastantuono.

The condition to stay

According to a recent update from Miguel Serrano, there is a specific condition determining whether the Argentine protege remains at Real Madrid next season—a matter that is not entirely under his own control.

Mastantuono experienced a challenging debut season at Madrid. To secure his spot, he must first impress Mourinho and demonstrate that he can serve as a reliable option on the right wing over the coming weeks.

Additionally, he must hope that Real Madrid does not pursue new signings on the right wing. If he succeeds in convincing the coach and the club avoids bringing in a new player for that position, Mastantuono will stay for the upcoming campaign. If he fails to impress, however, he will leave on loan immediately this summer.

A lot to prove

Unlike many of his teammates who can rely on past performances at the club to prove their value, Franco Mastantuono lacks that same foundation.

Although he made a decent impression in his opening months last season, he failed to become the game-changer Real Madrid expected or the creative force the club desires on the right flank. After suffering from pubalgia near December, his performance declined for the remainder of the season. Despite a slight return to prominence toward the end, he remained outside the first-choice lineup.

Because Mourinho is actively searching for a genuine creative attacking force for the wing, Mastantuono faces significant pressure to prove himself in a limited timeframe. The next few weeks will prove crucial for his hopes of remaining at his current club.