Real Madrid could pocket €7.5 million as former academy ace attracts Serie A interest | OneFootball

It takes a remarkable success story for a Real Madrid academy graduate to secure a regular spot in the first team.

Despite the academy’s reputation for producing top talent, the intense competition and high expectations at Real Madrid mean only the most exceptional players make the cut.

Consequently, Real Madrid continues to capitalize on its youth academy by selling players who are not in the first-team plans.

Recently, Real Madrid sold Alex Jimenez to Milan for €5 million and Marvin Park to Las Palmas for €2 million.

Now, they could benefit from the transfer of a former academy midfielder, Antonio Blanco, who was already sold last summer.

Blanco’s chances of staying at Real Madrid look bleak

Blanco was loaned to Cadiz two seasons ago but struggled for game-time. He spent half the season there before moving to Alaves, where he eventually found his footing.

Antonio Blanco could help Real Madrid’s finances. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Alaves signed the promising central midfielder permanently for €4 million but had to agree to Real Madrid retaining 50% of his rights, a common practice for the club in recent years.

Now, as per SPORT Serie A side Fiorentina are interested in Blanco’s services after his impressive season at Alaves. They face a hurdle with Alaves asking for €15 million, which exceeds Fiorentina’s budget.

If the deal goes through, Real Madrid would pocket half the transfer fee, i.e. €7.5 million from the operation with the remaining half going to Alaves.

Considering that Los Blancos would also have received the €4 million fee from Alaves for Blanco’s initial transfer, they would be making a total of €11.5 million from the player’s exit.

Although Alaves intends to retain the 23-year-old for the forthcoming campaign, the chance to recoup their investment is also alluring.

As for the player, he is open to all possibilities. Due to Real Madrid retaining rights on Blanco, the Merengues will be keenly monitoring the ongoing talks between Alaves and Fiorentina.