Raul Asencio handed fresh Real Madrid chance after defensive setbacks

Raul Asencio’s decision to reject three offers and remain at Real Madrid could finally be rewarded after Dean Huijsen’s sending-off and Ibrahima Konate’s injury reopened the competition for a place at centre-back.

The 22-year-old had been close to leaving during the summer, with Chelsea and Liverpool among the clubs to make approaches. He also received an offer from Turkey, but turned down all three proposals in the belief that patience and hard work would eventually bring another opportunity.

That moment now appears to have arrived. Asencio has not played a single minute since the start of the season, but the dismissal of Huijsen in the derby and Konate’s injury while on international duty with France have left Real Madrid needing additional options in central defence.

Real Madrid had signed Konate after a lengthy search for a new defender, making Asencio one of the players considered for a departure that could have generated financial income. The arrival of another centre-back, together with interest from abroad, might have suggested that his future lay away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Asencio chose to stay. His decision was made more difficult by periods in which Jose Mourinho left him out of his plans, but the defender remained convinced he could compete for a starting place. He therefore continued working and waited for the circumstances to change rather than treating the new signing or the transfer offers as decisive evidence that his time at the club was over.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the latest defensive problems may prove that choice was the right one.

Difficult summer away from football

Asencio’s summer was complicated off the pitch as well. He was acquitted in a case involving the disclosure of secrets, but later returned to the spotlight after an incident involving driving under the influence of alcohol.

Tests showed that the alcohol level in his blood was four times above the legal limit. Asencio admitted his mistake and was fined 14,400 euros, while his driving licence was withdrawn for eight months.

The incident did not pass unnoticed at Real Madrid. Mourinho publicly reminded Asencio that a Real Madrid player represents the club at all times and that his conduct away from football affects the team’s image.

“We all make mistakes, but an accumulation of mistakes is different. I am not happy,” said the Portuguese manager.

Mourinho has nevertheless praised Asencio’s professionalism at the club, describing him as an “ideal player”. He has also highlighted the defender’s commitment in training, saying he is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, particularly during his rehabilitation.

The next step rests with Asencio. He has recovered from his physical problems and is working to regain his fitness and place in the team, although his condition, especially the leg injury he has been managing, remains an issue that requires monitoring.

Asencio has yet to feature this season, along with Tiago Pitarch and Lunin. Huijsen’s suspension and Konate’s injury could now alter his situation, giving the Real Madrid defender a long-awaited chance to show he deserves to stay and compete for a place at the Santiago Bernabeu.