Real Madrid doesn’t stop at Rodrygo and agrees to sell Raúl Asencio for €35 million
Real Madrid have decided to put defender Raúl Asencio on the transfer list for €35 million (R$223 million), while Rodrygo’s future at the club remains uncertain under Xabi Alonso.
Asencio drops to fourth-choice in defense
Once seen as a starter, Raúl Asencio has slipped down the pecking order at Real Madrid. According to Defensa Central, the 21-year-old is now only the fourth-choice defender, behind new signing Dean Huijsen and others in Alonso’s plans.
Two main factors explain his decline:
- A disappointing Club World Cup campaign, which cost him his starting spot.
- The impressive rise of Huijsen, who has quickly adapted and won over the coach.
While there are no offers on the table yet, Real Madrid expect interest to arrive before the transfer window closes on September 1st. Despite this, Asencio has reportedly expressed his desire to stay at the Bernabéu.
Rodrygo also on the market
The uncertainty is not limited to Asencio. Rodrygo, the Brazilian winger, has also been made available for transfer. Alonso sent a strong signal by leaving him out of the La Liga opener against Osasuna, showing he is no longer central to his tactical plans.
Real Madrid are demanding over €100 million (R$600 million) for the 23-year-old. However, Rodrygo himself wants to remain in Spanish football, even if opportunities are limited.
Premier League giants monitoring
Clubs in the Premier League are monitoring the situation. Liverpool and Manchester City have expressed interest but have not yet submitted official bids. City are currently focused on keeping Savinho amid Tottenham’s pursuit, while Liverpool remain prioritizing Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
Why Rodrygo lost space under Alonso
Rodrygo’s reduced role can be explained by:
- Underwhelming recent performances, with his numbers declining compared to previous seasons.
- Alonso’s preference for a two-striker system, which prioritizes Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., leaving little room for a third forward.
