Incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is prepared to prevent defender Raul Asencio from leaving the club this summer, according to reports in Diario AS. The potential departure of the La Fabrica graduate had been widely anticipated, with the club previously indicating a willingness to consider suitable offers. However, Mourinho is believed to favour retaining Asencio within the squad.
Asencio has endured a challenging season, largely due to the arrival of Dean Huijsen last summer which impacted his position in the team. While he featured under Xabi Alonso, a subsequent falling out with current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa led to him being sidelined. A change in management could therefore prove pivotal for the young defender’s future at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho reportedly admires Asencio’s combative style of play, describing him as a “warrior” – a characteristic reminiscent of former Real Madrid stalwarts Sergio Ramos and Pepe during his previous spell at the club between 2010 and 2013. This preference suggests a potential shift in the club’s transfer strategy regarding the 23-year-old.
Despite Mourinho’s interest, Asencio’s position remains somewhat precarious. Real Madrid are actively pursuing the signing of a new central defender during the transfer window, which would likely relegate Asencio further down the pecking order. However, the Portuguese manager is still thought to see a role for him within the team, potentially aiding his development.
The physical condition of Antonio Rudiger is also a factor in Mourinho’s thinking, with the experienced defender’s recurring injuries creating a need for reliable cover. While a significant offer for Asencio could still prompt a departure, Mourinho’s intervention has significantly altered the landscape. A final decision will be made in consultation between Mourinho and the Real Madrid sporting department, balancing the manager’s tactical preferences with the club’s overall transfer plans. His retention would provide valuable squad depth and a potentially promising long-term option at centre-back.
