Real Madrid squad taking shape as two youngsters set for loan while forward likely to stay

Real Madrid squad taking shape as two youngsters set for loan while forward likely to stay Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid officially began on July 13, with the Portuguese coach gradually welcoming players back to pre-season training following their World Cup commitments. The squad is still incomplete, but reinforcements are arriving steadily, while the manager has had a week to assess the players that have been present from day one. According to Arancha Rodriguez of COPE , Mourinho has been holding individual meetings with his players as he assesses the squad ahead of the new season. Mastantuono, Asencio on their way out And, as per the report, current expectations are that Franco Mastantuono and Raul Asencio are the most likely candidates to leave on loan in search of regular playing time. Asencio has been widely linked with a departure this summer, with Real Madrid eager to sign another defender after already bringing in Ibrahima Konate. Raul Asencio set for loan exit. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) The academy graduate, however, had been intent on staying and working hard to convince and win over Mourinho. But, it now appears that he could be on the move, albeit only on a temporary basis on a loan deal. As for Mastantuono, the Argentine remains highly appreciated within the club and by Mourinho . But having assessed him in the opening week of pre-season, it seems that the Portuguese tactician has decided to send the teenager out on loan so that he can play regularly and develop. Gonzalo Garcia set to stay Meanwhile, striker Gonzalo Garcia is expected to remain with the Real Madrid first team after impressing during recent weeks, with the club viewing him as part of its plans for the upcoming campaign. At the start of the summer, the 22-year-old striker was largely tipped for a departure, with there being no shortage of suitors for him. Gonzalo will stay at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) However, Mourinho blocked his exit, wanting to take a closer look at him, as he sought the presence of an old-school centre-forward in the squad. Gonzalo has shown up for pre-season in peak fitness condition and has made a big impression, which has seemingly won over Mourinho and his staff to keep him around for the upcoming season. A big signing requires a departure Meanwhile, Real Madrid continue to be linked with high-profile names such as Michael Olise and Rodri, but the club’s position remains unchanged. Any move for another marquee signing will only happen if a current first-team player leaves first on a permanent transfer. With Mourinho continuing to evaluate his squad and the transfer window still open, further business remains possible, but only if room is created through departures.