Real Madrid’s defence is set to see wholesale changes next season with big departures and arrivals likely to take place in June.
With the club eyeing a big-name signing in the department in the summer, it is understood that there must be some departures from defence as well.
Raul Asencio, in recent weeks, has been seen as such a transferable asset, especially given how he had a falling out with the manager and dressing room by questioning Alvaro Arbeloa’s decisions and pulling out of the match-day squad.
Working hard for a comeback
As relayed last week, Asencio took steps towards turning his situation around by publicly apologising not only to his teammates but to the manager for his errors.
Now, El Chiringuito bring to light that Asencio is working hard at the Valdebebas to earn a return to Arbeloa’s plans and to prove his desire to stay at the club.
Sparing no efforts. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
In fact, he has gone to the club facilities to train on the past four off-days including today, making sure he does all he can.
From his side, the player does not even consider a departure from Real Madrid and wishes to stay and prove his worth at the club. What remains to be seen is whether his efforts on off-days are enough to hand him another chance.
Antonio Rudiger is likely to stay for next season, and Dean Huijsen will likely begin the season as his partner in defence. Eder Militao will also return to fitness a few months into the campaign, adding depth to the department.
If Los Blancos do indeed go ahead and bring in another elite defender, Asencio would become the fifth-choice centre-back and he must consider if that is a setback he is willing to take at this stage in his career.