Mourinho Could Decide the Future of Former Benfica Player (and Others)

The future of four Real Madrid signings, who collectively cost over 180 million euros in the summer of 2025, hangs in the balance after a disappointing debut season. According to AS, the decision regarding the continuity of Franco Mastantuono, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold will rest with the new manager, potentially José Mourinho.

A combined investment of just over 180 million euros across four transfers has come under scrutiny due to the players' underwhelming performances throughout the season.

Franco Mastantuono, the most expensive acquisition, cost 63.2 million euros, which includes his 45 million euro release clause and 18.2 million in taxes. The Argentine, who began as an undisputed starter under Xabi Alonso, saw his playing time diminish with Arbeloa's arrival. Over the season, he featured in 34 matches and scored three goals. The club's intention is a loan spell, preferably to a Spanish league team for closer monitoring, to ensure his development doesn't stagnate. However, the final decision will be up to the new coach.

Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen became Real Madrid's most expensive defender, with the club paying his 58 million euro release clause to Bournemouth. After a promising debut for the Spanish national team in March 2025 and a notable start at the club, his performance began to decline after the derby against Atlético in September, a situation exacerbated by several injuries. Despite playing in 39 matches and scoring two goals, his future at the club seems secure due to the physical condition of Rudiger and Militão.

As for Álvaro Carreras, who returned to the Bernabéu from Benfica, he cost 50 million euros. Real Madrid attempted to negotiate a lower fee, but Benfica's stock market listing complicated the process. Like Huijsen, Carreras started brilliantly, even being pre-selected for the 2026 World Cup, but a below-par end to the season and strong competition from Mendy and Fran García led to criticism from fans. The Galician full-back made 39 appearances and scored two goals, both against Valencia.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation is unique. He arrived on a free transfer, but Real Madrid paid 20 million euros for his signing bonus and an additional 10 million to Liverpool to allow him to participate in the Club World Cup. His first season was plagued by recurring muscle injuries that prevented him from maintaining consistency. His tendency to push forward, leaving the defense exposed, also contributed to an inconsistent campaign. In 30 games, he failed to score, and to make matters worse, he was left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, one of his major objectives.