Raul Asencio’s future at Real Madrid could become increasingly difficult to ignore in the coming weeks.
The defender may want to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and fight for his place, but according to Defensa Central, his situation under Jose Mourinho leaves him facing a simple question: how much playing time can he realistically expect this season?
That question has become more relevant amid continued reports from England linking Asencio with Liverpool.
The interest is said to stem from new manager Andoni Iraola, who sees qualities in the Real Madrid academy graduate that could suit his style of play.
For Asencio, then, this is a potential escape route at a time when his path into Mourinho’s starting plans appears increasingly blocked.
Iraola sees something in Asencio that Mourinho does not
Liverpool’s reported interest centres largely on what Asencio can offer with the ball.
His numbers from last season, particularly his passing accuracy, have caught the attention of the new Liverpool boss, who is looking for a defender capable of fitting into his system at Anfield.
The English press continues to link the 23-year-old with a move to Merseyside, with reports stating, “Andoni Iraola remains interested in bringing Raúl Asencio to Merseyside.”
Whether Liverpool eventually turn that interest into a formal approach remains to be seen, but the timing of the speculation is significant, as Asencio’s situation in Madrid has changed.
Liverpool are linked with a move for Raul Asencio. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
As reported before, Mourinho does not currently see him as an important part of his plans.
The arrival of new defenders and the competition already present in the squad have pushed the Spaniard further down the pecking order.
At present, the Real Madrid defender is behind Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, Antonio Rüdiger and Eder Militao in Mourinho’s list of centre-back options, making a breakthrough extremely difficult, particularly if everyone is fit.
So what next for Asencio?
The biggest risk for Asencio is not necessarily being sold. It is spending the first half of the season waiting.
With the January transfer window still months away, remaining at Real Madrid without a realistic route to regular football could leave the defender in a difficult position.
As the report puts it, “Asencio must ask himself if he really wants his career to stagnate for a minimum of five or six months before the January transfer window opens, to try to prove something to a coach who, generally, does not change his mind once he has made a decision.”
Right now, Asencio may believe that injuries, rotation or strong performances in training could change Mourinho’s thinking.
However, basing an entire season on that possibility would carry obvious risks.
The report also warns, “It’s a risky decision, as Liverpool could have resolved their defensive issues by then, and it would leave the 23-year-old in an uncertain situation.”
Asencio is not in Mourinho’s plans. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Understandably, Liverpool’s interest may not remain indefinitely. If Iraola and the club solve their defensive requirements elsewhere, an opportunity that exists now could disappear by January.
Which is why the coming days are going to be about deciding whether he wants to leave Madrid.
Asencio departure could also revive Bastoni pursuit
There is another reason why Asencio’s future could matter to Real Madrid.
His departure could create room for the club to revisit the possibility of signing another centre-back.
On that note, Alessandro Bastoni remains the defender most strongly associated with Mourinho’s plans, although the financial conditions surrounding a move for the Inter Milan star remain a major obstacle.
That creates an interesting chain of events.
Mourinho wants another high-level central defender, but Real Madrid are reluctant to invest further unless space is created in the squad or additional funds become available.
Simply put, Asencio leaving could help address both issues.