Real Madrid set for unexpected €10 million windfall as former academy defender nears Serie A switch | OneFootball

Real Madrid have produced several top centre-back prospects over the years, many of whom have gone on to leave a mark outside the club.

One such name is Mario Gila Fuentes, the 25-year-old defender who currently plays in the Serie A for Lazio.

Gila played for Real Madrid’s lower categories until 2019 and was promoted to the Castilla setup in July that year. Eventually, however, he left for Lazio in 2022 and has become a mainstay for them ever since.

A windfall for Real Madrid

AC Milan are seriously interested in Gila’s services. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

As part of his move to Italy, Real Madrid ensured to retain some leverage on the talented defender and thus kept 50% of his rights. The clause ensures that they make half of any future transfer fee when he leaves Lazio.

As reported by Diario AS, the time could well be in the coming months as Gila is now increasingly being linked with a move to AC Milan who are impressed by his quality and consistency.

The Rossoneri are willing to pay as much as €20 million for the defender and the operation could go through in the summer. In such a scenario, Real Madrid will stand to pocket a staggering €10 million from the sale.

Real Madrid sold the player for €6 million back in the day, and the fact that they could now net an even higher amount for an indirect transfer only makes the deal sweeter.

Gila’s current market value, in fact, stands at €30 million but the fact that his deal runs out in 2027 sees the transfer fee slightly fall. Regardless, Real Madrid will be pleased with the windfall.

So far this season, Gila has started 21 league games for Lazio and averages over ten defensive actions per game. He has also overseen six clean sheets for his side and has attracted interest from other clubs as well, although AC Milan are best placed.