Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reluctant to send youth trio to the U-20 World Cup – report
Real Madrid’s Fabrica has seen a resurgence in recent years. The academy currently boasts of players touted to be the next big thing in their respective positions in Alvaro Rodriguez, Vinicius Tobias and Nico Paz.
Given their talent and maturity beyond their years, it is not surprising that the trio are valuable assets for their respective National Teams too. While their prominence in international football is undoubtedly a positive, it is creating problems for Los Blancos at the moment.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup is set to be played in Argentina from May 20th, and all three starlets are on course to be called up.
However, according to reports from Jorge Picon, the Merengues are unsure about sending their young stars to the tournament. They have begun talks with the three football federations involved but are yet to convey a final decision.
Real Madrid’s reluctance to grant the trio permission is primarily linked to the subsidiary team’s position in the league.
The Castilla team currently sits second on the standings of Group 1 of the Primera Federacion and are just one point below leaders Alcorcon. Promotion to the La Liga Segunda division is thus a real possibility either through direct qualification or playoffs.
Rodriguez, Tobias and Paz are all vital for the Castilla team’s run and sacrificing them at this stage of the season could imply letting go of promotion. Needless to say, Real Madrid’s stance is understandable.
The club are under no compulsion to send their stars as the U-20 World Cup does not feature on FIFA’s official calendar.
The Merengues thus plan on taking a decision after holding a meeting with the AUF (Uruguayan Football Association), the AFA (Argentine Football Association) and the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) concerning Rodriguez, Paz and Tobias respectively.
The initial idea is to retain all three players. After all, the club do not want to risk spoiling relations by allowing one player on international duty, while keeping others from it.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
