Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio set for chance after summer transfer interest

Raul Asencio chose to remain at Real Madrid despite receiving three major offers during the European summer, convinced that an opportunity at the club would eventually emerge. That opening may now come sooner than expected.

The Spanish centre-back could be called upon after Dean Huijsen was sent off in the derby and Konate’s fitness became a concern following an injury sustained while on international duty with France.

Asencio has not played a minute this season, but those developments have placed him back in contention as Real Madrid prepare to resume their La Liga campaign.

The 23-year-old attracted interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, while a lucrative proposal also arrived from Turkey. Real Madrid were seeking additional cover at centre-back and eventually signed Konate, increasing competition for places.

Despite that, Asencio decided to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. His choice was driven by the belief that circumstances would eventually provide him with a route into the team.

He has also faced a challenging period away from football.

Asencio was acquitted in a case involving the disclosure of secrets, ending one of the legal matters associated with him. He later became involved in another incident after being found driving with more than four times the legal alcohol limit.

He accepted responsibility, was fined 14,400 euros and lost his driving licence for eight months.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho criticised the incident and made clear that he expected high standards from the defender.

“A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 12 months a year,” Mourinho said.

“Everything you do outside of your professional life continues to damage the prestige of a club that is untouchable.”

Mourinho added: “We all make mistakes, but accumulating mistakes is a different thing. I’m not happy.”

However, the manager has also praised Asencio’s conduct as a professional, calling him an “exemplary professional” and noting his dedication during his recovery.

The defender is now attempting to put those distractions aside and concentrate on returning to full fitness. He has been working his way back from a tibia problem, with his progress set to be assessed during the international break.

His return to competitive football has not yet been confirmed. Until now, Asencio has been one of the few players in the Real Madrid squad not to feature this season.

That could change when Real Madrid face Villarreal in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 10.