Real Madrid ready to sell homegrown star; sets €50 million price tag

Real Madrid ready to sell homegrown star; sets €50 million price tag

Real Madrid could be set for a surprising defensive shake-up this summer, with fresh reports suggesting that Raul Asencio is now on the transfer list.

According to OK Diario, the club is open to selling the young centre-back for a fee in the region of €50 million because there has been increasing dissatisfaction at Real Madrid regarding Asencio’s recent behaviour.

In fact, sources indicate that his attitude in recent weeks has not gone down well.

The situation has reportedly escalated to the point where manager Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to limit his involvement for the remainder of the season.

What’s the story?

The tension surrounding Asencio has been building for some time.

It dates back to a physically demanding period that began during a Champions League clash against Benfica, where the defender suffered a cervical sprain.

Despite the injury ruling him out of the following match against Getafe, he pushed himself to return quickly due to the team’s needs.

In fact, ahead of a crucial fixture against Celta Vigo, Asencio initially informed the medical staff that he was not fully fit.

Real Madrid are ready to sell Raul Asencio. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

However, he still went on to complete the full 90 minutes, showing commitment but also putting his body under considerable strain.

What followed, however, appears to have created a fracture between player and club.

Real Madrid were reportedly unhappy with the suggestion that Asencio had considered not travelling for the Vigo match.

On the other hand, the player himself felt undervalued after making that effort, especially when he was subsequently left on the bench for the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Manchester City.

Frustrated by the decision, Asencio is said to have approached Arbeloa for an explanation, and that did not sit well internally, which worsened his position within the squad.

With the relationship now strained, Real Madrid believe this summer represents the right moment to part ways, particularly given the strong market interest.

The Premier League is understood to be Asencio’s preferred destination, where Everton appear to be one of the teams linked with his signing.