Jose Mourinho not counting on Real Madrid homegrown star for next season | OneFootball

Every new manager who arrives at a club comes with a list of players he trusts and another list of players who must fight to change his mind.

If recent reports are accurate, Raul Asencio may already find himself in the second category under new manager Jose Mourinho.

According to journalist Miguel Serrano, Mourinho is not counting on the Real Madrid academy graduate as part of his plans for next season. 

It is a significant development given that Asencio was viewed by many as a useful squad option capable of contributing to the first team.

However, Mourinho appears determined to alter the defensive department, and that could leave the young defender searching for a solution before the transfer window closes.

Mourinho has a clear defensive structure

One of the first tasks facing Mourinho this summer is rebuilding a Real Madrid defence that has struggled for consistency over the last two seasons.

Mourinho is not counting on Asencio. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

According to the journalist, the Portuguese manager wants five dependable defensive options capable of rotating throughout a demanding campaign. 

As things stand, Mourinho sees Ibrahima Konate, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and Eder Militão as four of those trusted centre-back options.

The club are also actively exploring the market for another defender, preferably someone capable of operating both as a left-back and centre-back, or a high-level central defender who can immediately compete for a starting role.

That search is significant because it effectively leaves Asencio outside Mourinho’s preferred defensive group.

Rather than carrying six senior central defenders, the new Real Madrid coach prefers to use talented Castilla prospects such as Diego Aguado or Joan Martinez when emergency cover is required.

Asencio faces difficult decision

Asencio might have to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The challenge for Asencio now is that his situation is not entirely straightforward because the defender wants to remain at Real Madrid and continue fighting for opportunities. 

If that proves impossible, he is expected to seek a destination capable of matching the €5 million salary agreed in the contract he signed last year.

What makes the situation even more intriguing is that Asencio has not performed poorly when called upon. 

The academy graduate has shown commitment, professionalism and enough quality to suggest he can play at a high level.

The issue appears to be less about his performances and more about Mourinho’s vision for the squad.