The winter transfer window still seems far off, but important moves are already being finalized in the offices. One of them directly affects Real Madrid and a player who was key in its defense last season: Raúl Asencio.
The center-back has gone from being an undisputed starter to disappearing from Xabi Alonso's line-ups in just a few months.
The footballer hasn't taken long to react. He isn't willing to spend the season watching matches from the bench.
He has made a firm decision: to leave in January to feel important again. There's already a club that's raised its hand to welcome him.
Besiktas, immediate destination
The Turkish club had been after Asencio for weeks. Besiktas has closely followed his situation and has made a move to secure his signing in the upcoming winter transfer window.
According to information from Fichajes.net confirmed by MB, talks between clubs have already advanced and there's an agreement on the main terms. All that's left is for everything to be signed officially.
The deal has a significant detail: Asencio has already said yes to Besiktas. The center-back wants to play, regain his form, and show that he still has the level for Real Madrid. The idea is to leave now to come back stronger in the near future.
Florentino Pérez gives the green light
Florentino Pérez is aware of the situation and understands that the departure of a footballer who barely counts for Xabi Alonso can't be stopped. He doesn't want to hinder his progress.
In addition, the loan or transfer to Besiktas will free up space in the squad and provide financial flexibility for future moves.
Real Madrid doesn't oppose it; quite the opposite. At the club, they trust that the adventure in Türkiye will be beneficial for all parties. The player will get minutes, Besiktas will add a reliable reinforcement, and Madrid will keep the door open for a return.
The contrast with last season
The most surprising thing about this story is the contrast with what happened last season. Raúl Asencio became a key pillar of the white defense.
He played regularly, performed at a high level, and earned the trust of the locker room and the fans. It seemed he had arrived to stay.
However, the change in technical plans and the arrival of reinforcements have drastically reduced his role. Asencio has gone from being a protagonist to being invisible. He won't accept that.
Asencio's personal challenge
The center-back is clear: he doesn't want to stagnate. He prefers to try his luck in a different league rather than resign himself to the bench. Besiktas offers him an ideal setting to show that his competitive level remains intact.
With this decision, Asencio confirms that his ambition is above comfort. In Türkiye, he will have the opportunity to regain prominence and remind Real Madrid that he's still a valid footballer for the future.
Raúl Asencio says yes to leaving Real Madrid for Besiktas in January. Florentino Pérez gives the green light and the clubs already have a closed agreement.