The situation of Jesús Vallejo at Real Madrid has been complicated throughout the season. The center-back has barely had any prominence. He hasn't had minutes, and the most striking thing is that even in the worst defensive moments, when the team suffered key absences, Carlo Ancelotti didn't think of him.
Vallejo has been the last in line. Even young players from the reserve team have been ahead of him. Despite that, he has never complained.
He has trained with professionalism and without raising his voice. He knew that his role was to be prepared in case the phone rang, but that moment never came.
A Departure More Than Expected
For weeks, the scenario was clear: departure in the winter market. Both the club and the player saw it as the best solution. Vallejo needs minutes, confidence, and to feel important, and Real Madrid wasn't going to put up obstacles.
There was interest from LaLiga teams and abroad. Everything indicated that the separation would happen in the first days of January, quietly. With discretion and with the feeling that a cycle was closing that never really took off.
Florentino's Turn
According to Diario As, Real Madrid is considering extending Vallejo's contract for two more weeks. Why? Because of the Club World Cup. The tournament will be held in mid-December, and although Vallejo hasn't played, the club feels it would be unfair to leave him out right now.
The decision is not only sporting but also emotional. Florentino Pérez spoke directly with the player. The message was clear: although he isn't a key piece, the club values his behavior and wants him to travel with the expedition to the international tournament.
A Farewell with Respect
Jesús Vallejo will not continue at Real Madrid after the Club World Cup, that is practically decided. His future will be far from Bernabéu, where he hasn't managed to make a place for himself, but his departure won't be through the back door. On the contrary: he will leave with a gesture that is worth more than a thousand words.
Florentino wanted to have a gesture with a player who, although he hasn't excelled, has shown an exemplary attitude. And that also counts in a locker room full of stars.
In soccer, sometimes, numbers don't tell the whole story. It also matters how you behave when you don't play. And Vallejo, in that, has been an example.