Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender offered to several clubs as superagent looks for a way out
According to journalist Jorge C Picon, Real Madrid have spent several weeks actively working alongside superagent Jorge Mendes to structure an immediate exit route for central defender Raul Asencio.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been formally offered to a number of major European clubs through intermediaries, with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig specifically named among the potential destinations.
Despite the intense administrative efforts to move him on, the player remains deeply determined to reverse his current standing and earn a regular place in the squad.
Surplus to requirements
The drive to facilitate Asencio’s departure has become a central focus of Real Madrid’s summer clearout operations.
Looking to streamline a congested defensive line that recently welcomed high-profile arrivals like Ibrahima Konate, club executives are desperate to clear salary space and squad registration slots.
Mendes, whose relationship with the club has significantly imprpoved, has been heavily utilising his prominent market connections to secure a deal, pitching the defender’s profile to various technical directors across the continent.
RB Leipzig have emerged as a highly viable sporting option, with the German side frequently monitoring young, technically gifted defensive talents capable of playing out from the back.
While Real Madrid ideally prefer a permanent sale, intermediaries have also floated the possibility of a structured loan agreement containing a mandatory purchase obligation to expedite the process.
Asencio defiant despite difficult situation
While Real Madrid’s stance is entirely clear, the ultimate finalisation of any transfer hinges upon the player’s personal desire.
Despite falling down the pecking order at Valdebebas, Asencio is firmly refusing to abandon his dream of succeeding in the white shirt.
The young defender still firmly aims to convince newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho that he can be a reliable, valuable component of the first-team framework.
Rather than pushing for a lucrative move away, Asencio is prioritising the upcoming pre-season training sessions to showcase his quality and win over the Portuguese coach.
The academy graduate’s stance is creating a delicate internal standoff between the player’s personal ambitions and the board’s immediate priorities, while hampering Mourinho’s pursuit of another central defender.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
