Jesús Vallejo seems to have his days numbered at Real Madrid. After several loans, the 28-year-old center-back hasn't secured a spot at Madrid, and his future is far from Bernabéu.
His last appearance in the white jersey, in a match against Deportivo Alavés, marked the end of his time in Madrid.
An Uncertain Future at Real Madrid
Jesús Vallejo arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2015, but his story at the club has been marked by loans.
He has played in Zaragoza, Frankfurt, Wolverhampton, and Granada, where he had key minutes last season. However, since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of the team, Jesús Vallejo has barely had the opportunity to play.
The only time the center-back had minutes in LaLiga was in a match against Deportivo Alavés on September 24, 2023. In that game, Vallejo made a mistake that allowed Alavés to get closer on the scoreboard, which seemed to seal his fate at the club.
Since then, Ancelotti hasn't called him up again, despite the absences in Madrid's defense. This made it clear that the Italian coach doesn't trust the defender, who has been relegated to the background.
Why Didn't He Leave in Winter?
Despite many thinking that Jesús Vallejo might leave in the winter transfer market, the transfer didn't materialize. His name was on the radar of several clubs, but ultimately there were no moves.
Moreover, the player himself showed reluctance to change teams at that time, preferring to fulfill his contract until the end of the season. However, with the arrival of summer, everything points to his departure being definitive.
Jesús Vallejo suffered a hamstring injury and was left out of the squad for the Copa del Rey semifinals against Real Sociedad.
This situation has made it clear that his role at Madrid is minimal and that his future is outside the club.
Rayo Vallecano: His Closest Destination
According to Estadio Deportivo, Vallejo already has a pre-agreement signed with Rayo Vallecano for the next three seasons. The Madrid club has been following him for months, and although the initial idea was for him to arrive in January, the operation wasn't completed. However, the current situation makes his signing for Rayo imminent.
Rayo sees Vallejo as an opportunity to strengthen their defense with experience in the elite of Spanish and European soccer. The center-back seeks minutes and stability in a club that will give him the confidence he didn't find at Madrid.