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José Mourinho’s arrival at the Real Madrid dugout has sent shockwaves through Valdebebas. The Portuguese coach, true to his no-nonsense style, wasted no time making bold moves to shape the locker room his way. And the first big name to get the boot? Center-back Raúl Asencio, who just got the toughest news of his career: he’s not part of the new project and needs to pack his bags—stat.
The news, confirmed by club insiders and journalist Alberto Pereiro, has rocked Madrid’s preseason. “Mourinho told Asencio he’s not in his plans,” Pereiro revealed on Radioestadio Noche, making it clear there was no room for doubt. The 23-year-old defender, under contract until 2031, is now the first major casualty of the Mourinho era.
But Asencio isn’t the only one walking a tightrope. Young Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono has also been given the green light to go out on loan this summer. The Madrid board, in sync with the coaching staff, wants the former River Plate starlet to get minutes and experience away from the Bernabéu—without losing control of his future: the loan will have no purchase option.
Mourinho Lays Down the Law: The White Locker Room Gets a Makeover
Mourinho’s arrival has sparked a real revolution in the Real Madrid squad. Known for his iron fist and tactical obsession, the Portuguese coach has wasted no time activating the infamous “exit operation” to clear out the locker room and make space for the new faces already landing in the Spanish capital.
Among the new arrivals at Valdebebas: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella—key pieces for Mourinho’s new blueprint. But for new stars to come in, others have to go. That’s where Asencio and Mastantuono top the list of departures.
The strategy is crystal clear: loans for promising youngsters, sales for those who don’t fit the long-term vision. In Asencio’s case, the club prefers a loan, but won’t rule out a transfer if a tempting offer comes in. His release clause is a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion, but his market value is closer to $22 million—a figure that could grease the wheels for a move to another European club.
Franco Mastantuono: The Argentine Gem Looking for Minutes Away from the Bernabéu
Mastantuono’s case is different, but just as strategic for Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder, for whom the club shelled out over $68 million to River Plate in 2025, needs game time and experience to avoid gathering dust on the Madrid bench. That’s why the board is already working on a loan to a LaLiga side or another top European league—again, with no purchase option.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the club “is ready to green-light Mastantuono’s loan move this summer. No buy clause; just a straight loan.” The goal? For the young talent to return more mature and ready to fight for a spot in Mourinho’s starting eleven in the near future.
Meanwhile, the club is keeping a close eye on the market for more reinforcements, with Alessandro Bastoni’s name buzzing as a possible defensive addition. The departures of Asencio and Mastantuono are key moves to balance the squad and keep Madrid competitive across the board.
Why Is Mourinho Letting Asencio Go?
Mourinho’s decision to cut Raúl Asencio isn’t random. The Portuguese boss wants defenders with more experience and leadership, especially after bringing in Konaté and showing interest in Bastoni. Despite his youth and potential, Asencio hasn’t convinced the coaching staff during preseason, and his style just doesn’t fit the new defensive setup Mourinho is cooking up.
Plus, competition in Madrid’s backline is fierce. With names like Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and the new arrivals, there’s zero room for error—and Mourinho isn’t about to hand out minutes for free. That’s why Asencio’s exit seems inevitable, whether it’s a loan or a permanent transfer.
Mastantuono’s Future: Guaranteed Return or European Springboard?
For Franco Mastantuono, the loan is seen as an investment in the future. The club has no intention of letting go of one of its biggest recent bets, so there’s no buy option in any deal. The goal is for the Argentine to rack up minutes, gain experience, and come back to the Bernabéu ready to compete at the highest level.
Mastantuono’s destination isn’t set yet, but the priority is for him to play in Spain or another top European league. The club wants to keep him close, monitor his progress, and make sure he’s fully adapted to European soccer before handing him the keys to Madrid’s midfield.
FAQ: What Fans Want to Know
Why isn’t Mourinho counting on Raúl Asencio?
Mourinho is looking for defenders with more experience and leadership for his new project. Asencio, despite his youth and potential, hasn’t impressed the coaching staff during preseason, and his profile doesn’t fit the defensive scheme Mourinho has in mind.
What’s going to happen with Franco Mastantuono?
The club plans to loan him out to another European or Spanish team so he can get minutes and experience. There will be no buy option, as Real Madrid wants to keep full control over his future.
Who are Real Madrid’s new signings under Mourinho?
So far, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella have joined. The club is still hunting for more reinforcements, especially in defense, with Alessandro Bastoni’s name making the rounds.
Will there be more departures from Real Madrid?
The “exit operation” is still in full swing, and more moves—both loans and permanent sales—are expected in the coming weeks to balance the squad and fund new signings.
