Soccer changes quickly and, at times, in a cruel way. Raúl Asencio knows this well. A few months ago, with Ancelotti on the bench, he was a regular player in important line-ups. Today, with Xabi Alonso, his reality is very different.
He has become the fourth or fifth option in defense, behind Huijsen, Militao, Rüdiger, and even Tchouaméni if the formation requires it. The competition is fierce, and the youth academy product has seen how his prominence has faded almost overnight.
A value in the market
Despite this loss of prominence, Real Madrid hasn't lost faith in his value. This summer, it renewed his contract, sending a clear message of trust... but also of strategy. Because at Bernabéu, they know there are teams interested in him.
Premier League and Serie A clubs have inquired about his situation, and the club's response is direct: €35 million or nothing. That's the minimum figure Florentino Pérez considers to start talks. So far, no official offer has reached that number, although there have been approaches from the player's camp.
A player who doesn't give up
Asencio isn't thinking about leaving, at least for now. His goal is to convince Xabi Alonso and earn an important spot in the rotation. He wants to show he can perform at the highest level.
It's true that his mistakes in the past, such as in the Club World Cup, have raised doubts, but it's also true he hasn't been the only one to make serious errors. In addition, his personal situation off the field doesn't help either, although he tries to keep his focus. In every training session, he gives his all, hoping the opportunity to prove his worth will come.
The problem is that Huijsen is in exceptional form, Militao has come back strong from his injury, and Rüdiger remains a pillar. If the system uses three center-backs, he could have a spot, but the competition is tough and constant.
Future hanging in the air
The story isn't over yet. The market remains open, and Real Madrid don't rule out a transfer if an offer arrives that benefits all parties. In that case, the change would be radical for the player: from wearing white at Bernabéu to facing a new challenge in another league.
For now, the club's idea is for him to be part of the squad this season. His performance last season, in his debut in the top division, was notable and earned him the right to be here.
But soccer doesn't wait, and Asencio knows he must make the most of every minute he gets. Because if not, the next time the market opens, his name could be among the first to leave Madrid's list.