·27 July 2026

·27 July 2026

New Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has told one of his defenders that he has been considered surplus to requirements at the club for next season.

The player in question is Raúl Asencio.

For his part, stopper Asencio has long seen his future in Spain’s capital thrown into uncertainty. After the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté, and the contract renewal handed to Antonio Rüdiger, the 23-year-old has been viewed by many as the odd man out in a backline that also includes Dean Huijsen and the sidelined Éder Militão.

Asencio is understood to be keen to stay, and to fight for minutes under the new coaching staff at Valdebebas.

But as noted above, if the latest reports from the Spanish media are to be believed, then the decision to move the energetic defender on already seems to have been taken.

According to a report from Real Madrid journalist Sergio Valentín:

‘Jose Mourinho has spoken with Raúl Asencio. He has told him that he is not counting on him. The club and Jorge Mendes are working on finding him an exit that suits him because Asencio wants to stay.’

Mourinho’s willingness to part ways with Asencio comes as the Portuguese coach is also looking for one more addition to the centre of his defence before the summer ends.