Real Madrid forward closing in on Elche switch | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid, by far, earned the club several accolades and successes.

However, his lack of faith in youngsters saw the academy talents overlooked and barely ever given a chance.

Alvaro Rodriguez was one of the few young players who did manage to make an impression and earn a debut under Ancelotti. In fact, he even went on to score against Atletico Madrid on debut.

Even that impressive achievement, however, did not convince the manager and he did not see minutes. Eventually, Rodriguez left for Getafe on loan.

Earlier this week, the player spoke openly about how he was done waiting for the first-team call that will never come, saying, “I think I have to leave. I can’t wait much longer for the first team.”

Departure around the corner

As relayed by MARCA in a recent update, the 21-year-old striker is indeed closing in on an exit from the club as he nears a move to Elche.

The Primera division club are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid over Rodriguez’s transfer.

Alvaro Rodriguez is close to moving to Elche. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There are still some doubts over the minor details of the deal but the issue is well underway and expected to reach a culmination in the coming days.

A departure is indeed the best option on the youngster’s table for succeeding in the first team as a striker, at this point, is close to impossible.

No place in Alonso’s squad

For starters, Xabi Alonso’s system only places two forwards on the field of which Kylian Mbappe acts as a striker of sorts.

The centre forward position then faces pre-existing competition from Endrick – who is touted to be the next big striker in world football – and Gonzalo Garcia who impressed in the recent FIFA Club World Cup.

It remains to be seen if Real Madrid receive a sizeable fee for Rodriguez’s transfer and whether they retain any buyback clause or percentage of his rights.

If their recent transactions with academy talents are anything to go by, one of the two aforementioned clauses will be included.