Real Madrid take steps to remove €50m release clause in player’s contract

Real Madrid are expecting to be busy on the contract front between now and the end of the season, with multiple players being looked at. An agreement is expected to be closed with Trent Alexander-Arnold for him to sign from Liverpool as a free agent in the summer, while the plan is also for Vinicius Junior to be offered a new deal in order to ward off interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Another player whose situation will be addressed is Raul Asencio. The 21-year-old central defender has been a revelation for Real Madrid this season, having taken advantage of injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba to establish himself as an important member of Carlo Ancelotti’s first team squad.

Asencio, who is currently dealing with off-field matters, will be offered a new contract by Real Madrid in the coming weeks. His current deal is due to expire at the end of next season, and the club does not want to risk losing him for free at that time, or for a reduced price in the summer.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid consider Asencio’s new contract to be a priority. As part of upcoming negotiations, the club’s plan is to remove the current release clause in his contract, which stands at €50m.

It is clear that Real Madrid see Asencio as a player that can establish himself in the first team for many years to come. He has the advantage of being young, which makes himself a strong candidate to take over the reins from Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on a permanent basis, given that they are both well over the age of 30 now.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid still have plans to sign a new central defender in the next couple of years. The emergence of Asencio has certainly made addressing the position less of a priority.