Real Madrid 21-year-old homegrown talent wanted by multiple Spanish clubs | OneFootball

After a brilliant run in the Primera Federacion last season, Real Madrid Castilla have not lived up to the expectations this time around.

Last season’s third-placed team in Group 1 are now in 15th place on their group standings with just 10 wins in 33 games.

One standout player amidst the team’s lean patch, however, has been Raul Asencio. The centre-back is one of the regular starters in Raul’s setup and his high-quality performances have attracted interest from far and wide.

No dearth of offers

Asencio is largely seen as one of the best defenders of his generation in Spain, and clubs from across the globe are interested in securing his services as a long-term bet as revealed by MARCA.

Last winter, Espanyol and Levante attempted to sign the young centre-back and have once again approached the Real Madrid offices for the same. Now, multiple first-division teams have come into the frame.

Notably, the 21-year-old’s performances have come to the notice of the City Group who have taken a liking to his profile.

They see him as a strategic signing for Girona, their project in Spain, which has performed exceptionally well this season and has qualified for Europe next season.

Celta Vigo is one other La Liga club eyeing the young defender’s acquisition, for their manager Claudio Giraldez has been a fan of Asencio for a while now.

Alaves are the final club in the picture for his signing at the moment, although their interest in the player will depend on the future of Rafa Marin who is at the club on loan from Real Madrid.

A reliable asset

Having played 29 games for the Castilla side this season, Asencio has participated in close to 86% of all minutes his team has featured this season.

As the central pillar in the team’s defence, he has accumulated north of 1550 minutes and has led the central defence unit from the front.

Asencio is particularly known for his speed, physical prowess and leadership at the back. Further, he is also an imposing presence in the air, making him an asset both defensively and offensively.

With Real Madrid on the hunt for a new centre-back this summer, giving Asencio a run in the senior team may well be an option Ancelotti could consider. Else, a departure would appear to be on the cards.