Real Madrid weigh first-team pathway for fast-rising Alexis Ciria after Fiorentina strike

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is open to keeping reserve-team winger Alexis Ciria involved with the senior squad next season after the youngster impressed during pre-season.

Ciria has made a significant impact at Valdebebas since joining Real Madrid in January. The winger began his Castilla career with an assist, raised expectations further by scoring on his first start and went on to win the youth league title.

He added another noteworthy moment on Saturday, scoring in Real Madrid’s 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina after producing an effective performance.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that sources close to the Real Madrid coaching staff expect Ciria to be given some playing time during the long season.

“His presence in Austria was not just a symbolic gesture,” AS reported. “The plan is for him to play a leading role with Castilla as his base, but seeing him with the first team from time to time will not be an exception.”

The report added: “Mourinho is impressed by his natural talent. He is beginning to become one of his favourite players.”

Mourinho has maintained demanding standards throughout the three weeks being treated as an almost official preparation period for the new campaign. Those expectations have applied equally to everyone, including members of the youth setup.

Ciria, however, had prepared carefully for the opportunity. After last season ended, he took only one week of complete rest, giving himself a short break to recover both physically and mentally.

By the eighth day, he had returned to training and had placed himself under the supervision of his personal coach, David de la Hera.

The player was determined not to be left out of contention, aware that the departure of the World Cup players could create opportunities for him to make an impression.

An additional week of leave for Vinicius, the undisputed first-choice player in Ciria’s position, created another opening. Ciria was ready when it arrived.

His goal against Fiorentina provided the final and most valuable touch of fortune. It also strengthened the case for a player whose rapid progress has made him one of the most talked-about prospects around the club.

Ciria’s immediate future now appears highly promising if he can maintain his current form and earn a place in the first-team group. Such an eventual promotion would require Real Madrid to make a number of payments to Sevilla, although the sums are considered reasonable given the talent the Badajoz-born player has displayed.

If Ciria makes one official appearance for Real Madrid’s first team, playing at least 45 minutes, the club will have to pay Sevilla 120,000 euros.

Should he reach 10 such appearances, again with a minimum of 45 minutes in each match, the total payment would rise beyond one million euros, reaching 1.2m euros.

For now, Ciria’s main role is expected to remain with Castilla, where he can continue his development and take on a leadership position. But his performances in Austria and against Fiorentina have opened the possibility of regular opportunities alongside Real Madrid’s senior players under Mourinho.