Real Madrid ready to sell defender following ‘disappointment’; player reluctant to leave | OneFootball

According to a recent report from El Mundo, despite recently renewing Raul Asencio’s contract until 2031, Real Madrid are now open to letting him leave just months later. 

It is a sharp turnaround, and it shows that the club is extremely disappointed in him.

As such, the issue is not contractual; rather, it is sporting.

Asencio’s season has not gone as expected, and tensions with Alvaro Arbeloa have played a role in his decline within the squad. 

The young centre-back has been left out on multiple occasions, which has only reinforced the feeling that he is no longer fully trusted in the current setup.

What’s the story?

Explaining the club’s position, the report highlights that despite his long-term renewal and improved salary, Madrid’s hierarchy is disappointed with how things have developed this season. 

That frustration has now translated into a willingness to part ways, even if the timing seems unusual.

At Real Madrid, Asencio currently sits well down the defensive pecking order. 

He is effectively the fourth choice at centre-back, behind Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger. 

Real Madrid are open to selling Raul Asencio. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

That lack of prominence has pushed Real Madrid towards a clear conclusion that a summer exit would benefit all parties.

But here is where things become complicated.

It’s not that easy

Simply put, Asencio does not want to leave. With a contract running until 2031, he is in a strong position and under no pressure to accept a move. 

That alone makes any potential transfer difficult to execute, regardless of the club’s intentions.

At the same time, Madrid are aware that his market value remains solid and interest from clubs across Europe means there is still an opportunity to generate a significant fee.

And with Financial Fair Play considerations always in play, selling a player like Asencio could help fund other moves in the transfer market.

From the club’s perspective, this is a strategic decision, while from the player’s side, it is resistance.

That tension is what makes this one of the more difficult situations to watch heading into the summer window.