Raúl Asencio (Las Palmas, 2003) has signed a contract that will change his life forever. Real Madrid renewed Asencio until 2029, making him a key piece and one of the highest-paid on the team. The center-back, who moved up from the youth academy last summer, will earn €6.2 million ($6.2 million) next season, with the possibility of reaching €9 million ($9 million).
An agreement that, for many inside and outside the club, sounds like a star contract. In fact, quite a few consider the bet risky given his recent drop in performance.
From promise to key piece in just 30 matches
Asencio boarded the first team's train during preseason in the United States. He debuted against Chelsea and, since then, he hasn't stopped surprising the coaching staff. After Militao's injury, he got his chance and didn't waste it; in just 94 days, he went from Castilla to the Bernabéu field.
He strung together outstanding performances, earned Carlo Ancelotti's trust, and became undisputed in 30 matches. The club understood it was time to make a strong bet on him. So it did: the €50 million ($50 million) clause was removed and a star salary was agreed upon.
Too much, too soon?
But soccer, like life, changes quickly; Raúl Asencio's renewal has come just as his level has started to raise doubts. In recent matches, he has been in the spotlight for blatant mistakes that have cost goals and points. Xabi Alonso, now leading the team, is starting to look at other defensive profiles; trust is no longer blind.
What worries Valdebebas is the pressure that carrying such a high-value contract can put on such a young player. Even more so as comparisons begin to arise.
The comparison with Pau Cubarsí
That's where Pau Cubarsí comes in. Barça's center-back, also born in 2003, has followed a similar path in terms of breakthrough, but a very different one contractually.
Cubarsí is still earning a much lower salary, although his performance has been much more consistent. While Asencio has started to falter, Cubarsí is establishing himself as a reference point.
The difference in salaries between the two is enormous. In a context of fair play and salary control, that puts Madrid in a delicate situation if Asencio doesn't improve.