Real Madrid academy defender on the radars of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Real Madrid academy product Rafa Marin has had a solid season away on loan at Deportivo Alaves this season. So much so that, he has convinced Los Blancos to count on him for the next season.

However, with Real Madrid also looking to sign a new centre-back in the summer, the amount of game-time the 21-year-old would receive is unlikely to be much.

As such, the possibility of another loan departure is not entirely off the table and there are fresh suitors for the young Spanish ace.

Bayer Leverkusen interested in Marin

Indeed, as per BILD in Germany, new Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Marin from Real Madrid in the summer.

The newly-crowned German champions are looking for defensive reinforcements heading into the new season as there may be some exits from their backline over the summer.

Marin, who has performed at a high level this season at Alaves, has emerged as a target for Die Werkself.

Rafa Marin (R) on Bayer Leverkusen’s radar. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

A move, though, might not be straightforward. As mentioned earlier, Real Madrid plan to have Marin in their squad for next season.

Even if there is no place for him in Carlo Ancelotti’s scheme for the next term, Los Blancos would only agree to let him leave on another loan deal or with a buyback option.

A temporary move to Bayer Leverkusen would be good for Marin from Real Madrid’s point of view as he would play Champions League football under Xabi Alonso, who is seen as the likely replacement for Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.

However, Leverkusen would prefer a permanent signing to bolster their defence, something that might not be possible with Marin.

So, it remains to be seen how things evolve and whether the 21-year-old stays in Madrid or joins Alonso in Germany.