Real Madrid News
Mourinho gives greenlight for Real Madrid to sell 23-year-old academy graduate – report
Real Madrid have a lot of transfer plans this summer with Jose Mourinho coming in, and it looks like they are not limited to making signings.
Among the many names who could leave Los Blancos this summer is Raul Asencio, the academy graduate.
According to Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Zone), Mourinho has given the green light for Asencio to leave, making the centre-back one of the names to watch in Madrid’s outgoing market.
This is a significant decision because Asencio had only recently been viewed as a player with long-term value at the club. Real Madrid tied him down until 2031 last year.
Real Madrid choose defensive reset
The logic is fairly simple. Mourinho is reshaping the defence, and if Asencio is not central to that idea, the club may prefer to sell while his value is still strong.
That does not mean Asencio lacks quality. He has shown personality, physical tools and the ability to handle pressure in difficult moments. Real Madrid are operating at a level where potential alone is not enough, though.
The arrival of Ibrahima Konate, the renewal of Antonio Rudiger and continued links with other centre-backs have all made the defensive picture more crowded.
Managing that group properly means some exits are inevitable.
Sale must protect Real Madrid
The key now is the structure of the deal. Real Madrid should not simply lose a young centre-back without future protection.
If Asencio leaves, the club should look for a strong fee, a buy-back clause, a sell-on percentage or some other option that keeps them involved if he develops into a top defender elsewhere.
That approach has worked well with other young players. It gives them room to grow while protecting the club from regretting the decision later.
It might feel a bit harsh to part ways with Asencio, but Real Madrid have never been afraid of making ruthless decisions to help the club move forward.
Mourinho has clearly been given power to shape the squad, and Real Madrid cannot keep every player if the coach does not see a clear role.
It remains to be seen what kind of offers Real Madrid get for the 23-year-old Asencio and what kind of deal they structure to facilitate his sale this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
