Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Real Madrid could still make changes before the transfer window closes, but any further business is expected to depend heavily on player departures.
One name that had emerged as a possible exit is Raul Asencio, although an untimely injury has complicated both his future and Real Madrid’s plans to bring in another defender.
According to an update from Melchor Ruiz, relayed by Defensa Central, Asencio is currently at the top of Real Madrid’s list of players who could leave the club.
Yet his recent injury has effectively put any immediate departure on hold.
The situation has also affected Jose Mourinho’s plans in the transfer market, with the Real Madrid manager keen to add a left-footed centre-back to his squad.
Raul Asencio exit put on hold by injury
Asencio suffered a muscle injury in his right rectus femoris towards the end of July, ruling him out at a time when Real Madrid were considering possible changes to their defensive department.
Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
Asencio’s injury has disrupted Real Madrid’s transfer plans. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The defender was not part of Mourinho’s plans from the beginning, despite having signed a contract extension last year that keeps him tied to the club until 2031.
Speaking about the situation, Melchor Ruiz said, “Asencio is at the top of Real Madrid’s list of players to leave, but his injury has disrupted the possibility of signing a left-footed centre-back, as Mourinho wanted.”
The report makes it clear that Real Madrid are unlikely to actively push an injured player towards the exit, meaning that Asencio’s situation could remain unresolved until he recovers.
If a suitable offer eventually arrives, Los Blancos could still be open to a sale, with the funds potentially helping the club finance future transfer business.
For now, though, his injury has made a move increasingly difficult before the window closes.
Search for a left-footed centre-back faces setback
Asencio’s possible departure was not simply about reducing the number of players in the squad.
Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
Asencio has no place in Mourinho’s plans. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Rather, his exit could have opened the door for Real Madrid to sign the left-footed centre-back Mourinho wants.
The Portuguese coach is believed to see room for another option in defence, particularly one capable of offering a different profile on the left side.
However, Real Madrid’s remaining transfer plans are closely linked to outgoings, and without a departure, the club have less room to make another signing.
That leaves the Real Madrid transfer strategy in an awkward position.
The club is yet to officially close their business and remain open to further changes, but Asencio’s injury has removed one of the most realistic options for an immediate exit.
Real Madrid midfield still searching for rhythm; transfer move could now depend on key condition
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s midfield situation remains one of the key talking points this transfer window, but the club may be forced to stand still unless there is a change within the current squad.
According to El Larguero, Real Madrid are not entirely satisfied with how their midfield is functioning, with the current group still struggling to find the right rhythm.
However, any new move in the market appears dependent on the club creating space first.
Notably, Jose Mourinho had already made his desire for a more creative midfielder clear during his first discussions with the club.
Real Madrid responded by bringing in Bernardo Silva, giving the Portuguese manager an experienced option.
Yet despite that signing, the midfield has not fully clicked, and the issue is said to be similar to one the team faced last season.
Real Madrid want improvement before another midfield signing
Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid player
No Real Madrid player wants to leave this summer. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The club’s current position is to focus on getting more from the midfielders already available rather than immediately entering the market for another major signing.
Real Madrid have considered strengthening the area further, with Rodri emerging as one of the names linked with the club.
However, the Manchester City midfielder has decided to move to Barcelona instead.
Hence, the preference is either to improve the performances and understanding of the players already at Mourinho’s disposal or to take advantage of an opportunity in the transfer market if the right player becomes available on suitable terms.
That leaves Real Madrid in a waiting game, as only a departure from the current squad would make it easier for the club to consider another arrival.
At present, though, that possibility appears complicated because none of the midfielders are actively looking to leave before the transfer window closes.
No Real Madrid midfielder is pushing for an exit
Arda Guler, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid midfielders are not clicking. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
This is where Real Madrid’s transfer plans become difficult.
The club has limited room to bring in another midfielder without first changing the balance of the squad.
As such, only a sale or departure would help create that space, but no player currently appears interested in forcing an exit.
As a result, Real Madrid could enter the final part of the transfer window without making another midfield signing, even though there are concerns about the performances of the current group.
The situation could still change if a suitable offer arrives for one of the players or if a member of the squad decides to leave. Until then, however, the club have little reason to make a major move.