Real Madrid to hand new contract to defensive youngster after impressive impact

Real Madrid have been faltering defensively for much of the season, but just when things looked most desperate, Los Blancos have managed a run of three straight clean sheets. This is in no small part due to the introduction of Raul Asencio.

The Castilla defender and academy graduate has been flawless since breaking into the first team, and although Real Madrid have conceded twice to Liverpool, they have improved defensively overall. Fabrizio Romano says the European champions are happy with the way he has performed and have decided to work out a new contract for Asencio, including a pay rise.

Asencio's contract currently expires in 2026, and it has been reported in recent days that they are considering keeping him in the first team for the medium term, rather than just as they bring players back from injury. In all likelihood, though, Los Blancos also have one for the future, and a longer extension will allow them to sell him for a higher fee if they so choose, as was the case with Rafa Marin last summer.