Incoming head coach Jose Mourinho has decided to keep Raul Asencio at Real Madrid, reversing earlier plans that would have allowed the young defender to leave this summer.
Mourinho Says No: Young Defender Asencio Stays at the Bernabeu
Mourinho will soon take over the reins at the Bernabeu, and club officials have made it clear that no major transfer decisions will happen without his input.
Weeks ago, reports suggested that Real Madrid would let Asencio go if a strong offer arrived. But according to Diario AS, the Portuguese manager now wants the 22-year-old to stay.
The defender has endured a difficult season. The arrival of Dean Huijsen pushed him down the pecking order, and things got worse after a reported bust-up with current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Since that incident, Arbeloa has largely cast Asencio aside. Had Arbeloa remained in charge, the academy graduate would almost certainly leave this summer.
Mourinho, however, sees things differently. He admires Asencio’s aggressive, committed playing style what the coach calls a “warrior” mentality.
The profile reminds Mourinho of his former defensive stars Sergio Ramos and Pepe during his first spell at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
Real Madrid still plan to sign a new central defender before next season. That addition would push Asencio further down the order.
Even so, Mourinho believes the young Spaniard has a role to play. Antonio Rudiger continues to struggle with recurring physical problems and cannot feature in every match next season. Keeping Asencio provides valuable cover.
For now, Mourinho and the club’s sporting department must reach a final agreement.
Unless a truly lucrative offer arrives, the expectation is that Asencio will remain at the Bernabeu and get the chance to develop under a manager who values his fighting spirit.
