RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Real Madrid outcast refuses to leave, forcing club to close summer transfer window
Raul Asencio does not want to leave Real Madrid, even though his situation under Jose Mourinho has become increasingly difficult.
According to AS , the centre-back’s desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu has effectively closed the door on Real Madrid making a late move for another defender before the transfer window shuts.
September 1 is deadline day, with the window closing at 11:59 pm, a point when clubs often make their final moves after weeks of negotiations.
Real Madrid could still surprise the market, but the expectation is now that their squad will remain unchanged, especially since Asencio is reluctant to leave.
Asencio refuses to give up on Real Madrid place
The Spanish defender’s future became uncertain almost immediately after Mourinho’s appointment.
Raul Asencio does not want to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Portuguese coach is understood to have told Asencio that he was not part of his plans , prompting discussions about a possible departure.
A loan move was subsequently considered, particularly after Asencio suffered a quadriceps injury during pre-season.
However, that setback complicated any potential transfer and gave the situation another dimension.
Now, the defender has recovered from that problem, but another fitness concern has emerged.
As reported before, Asencio has been managing a shin problem dating back to last season, and the issue has flared up again.
Asencio might have to undergo surgery. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
If treatment fails to provide the expected improvement, he could require surgery , which would potentially sideline him for six to eight weeks.
Mourinho has several centre-back options ahead of Asencio
The competition for places is another major obstacle.
Mourinho has established options available in central defence, including Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate and Antonio Rudiger.
With those players ahead of him in the pecking order, regular minutes will not be straightforward for Asencio. Yet the 23-year-old prefers not to look for an escape route.
That decision is significant for Real Madrid because it removes the need to find a replacement at the last moment.
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