Jose Mourinho has wasted no time reshaping Real Madrid's squad during pre-season, with the Portuguese manager moving to offload two key players after initial assessments. Since returning to Valdebebas just over a week ago, Mourinho and his coaching staff have conducted thorough evaluations of the squad, focusing particularly on younger talents and those absent from World Cup duty.
Franco Mastantuono, the Argentine midfielder who arrived for 60 million euros last summer, tops the departure list. Despite significant investment in the 21-year-old from River Plate, Mourinho has determined he lacks a guaranteed starting role in the coming campaign. The coach wanted to observe Mastantuono firsthand before deciding his fate, and early pre-season performances failed to convince him of immediate first-team potential. Real Madrid now plan to loan him out rather than sell permanently, with multiple clubs expected to express interest in the South American talent.
Defensive Overhaul and Squad Rotation
Defender Raul Asencio has also been deemed surplus to requirements, at least temporarily. The centre-back finds himself outside Mourinho's defensive plans as Real Madrid prepare to recruit a replacement in that position. Asencio will likely seek temporary employment elsewhere through a loan deal, freeing up squad space and wages.
Not all young players face uncertain futures, however. Gonzalo Garcia, whose standing wavered following Endrick's arrival, has impressed sufficiently to earn a reprieve and will remain in the squad. Spanish defender Dean Huijsen seized his pre-season opportunity with a standout series of displays that earned Mourinho's admiration, particularly noteworthy given his omission from Spain's World Cup roster. The 19-year-old has proven his worth during these crucial assessment weeks.
Teenage midfielder Cherki Fofana, aged just 16, continues to show genuine promise and may travel throughout the pre-season campaign. As World Cup participants gradually return, Mourinho's message is unambiguous: previous reputation holds no currency. Every player, regardless of status, must demonstrate their value to the demanding Portuguese manager during this critical evaluation phase.
