Mourinho to assess Real Madrid academy prospect during pre-season amid Premier League interest | OneFootball

Cesar Palacios is widely regarded as one of Real Madrid’s brightest prospects. A regular for Castilla, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder made his first-team debut last season under Alvaro Arbeloa.

However, coming into the summer, the young La Fabrica prospect is looking at an uncertain future, with Arbeloa being replaced by Jose Mourinho as the new manager.

Palacios to do pre-season with first team

Now, according to AS, Palacios will take part in pre-season with Mourinho’s first team, hoping to convince the Portuguese coach that he deserves a place in the senior squad.

A return to Castilla is no longer considered part of the plan, and with Dani Ceballos departing and Real Madrid ruling out Nico Paz’s return, the academy graduate believes there is a genuine opportunity to earn a role in the first team.

This comes after the 21-year-old has changed representation at a pivotal moment in his career. The attacking midfielder has left Stellar Group to join Best of You as he prepares for what could be a decisive summer regarding his future.

Palacios set to do pre-season with Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

With just one year remaining on his contract, Palacios is determined to fight for his place in Real Madrid before considering a move elsewhere.

Premier League interest growing

Real Madrid continue to view Palacios as one of the club’s most promising academy graduates.

If he ultimately leaves in search of regular football, the club intend to structure any deal in a way that preserves long-term control over his future, similar to arrangements previously used for players such as Victor Munoz and Nico Paz.

The midfielder has attracted interest from clubs across Europe’s five major leagues. Athletic Club have been monitoring him for months, while several Premier League sides have already submitted attractive proposals.

One possible destination abroad is Fulham, where Arbeloa is beginning his new project. Meanwhile, Como are also showing an interest.

What does the future hold for Palacios? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

However, according to sources close to the player, Palacios remains focused solely on impressing Mourinho before considering any move away.

Compared to Luka Modric

Palacios earned his opportunity with the senior squad under Arbeloa, who handed him five league appearances, one Copa del Rey match and one UEFA Champions League outing.

Within Valdebebas, coaches have long praised his technical quality, saying: “The way he turns with the ball reminds us of Modric.”

His versatility is considered one of his greatest strengths. Naturally an attacking midfielder, Palacios is equally comfortable operating as a deeper No. 8 and has even been deployed as a centre-forward and on the wings on occasion thanks to his eye for goal.

Now, with new representation and a crucial preseason ahead, Palacios enters a defining chapter of his career as he looks to prove he belongs at Real Madrid under Mourinho.