Real Madrid want another centre-back, but the move is tied to Raúl Asencio's future. The club are not expected to add a new defender until one departure clears room, and Asencio is the name sitting in the middle of that decision.
Asencio's place in the pecking order
Asencio is behind Ibrahima Konate, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen in the centre-back pecking order. That is the basic problem for him. He is also being discussed against a backdrop where Real Madrid are hoping to finalise deals for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the coming weeks.
The defensive picture is not empty either. Ibrahima Konate has already been signed, while Eder Militao will miss the start of the new campaign due to injury. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga in 2025 with 86 points and were ninth in the 2025 UEFA Champions League table with 15 points from 8 matches, which explains why the club are still looking at elite additions rather than standing still.
Jose Mourinho, quoted by siempremadrid.com, "does not want Asencio in his plans", and transfer reporter Sergio Valentin said there will be no second centre-back signing unless current defender Raul Asencio leaves. That leaves the Madrid market in a fairly blunt place: the club can line up more business, but the centre-back move appears to depend on an exit first.
Marseille's interest and the exit route
Marseille are interested in taking Asencio on loan for the 2026-27 season. The proposal is described as a loan with a €15 million purchase clause that becomes obligatory if conditions tied to playing time and appearances are met, while Real Madrid would retain 25% of the player's rights if that clause is activated.
There has also been movement elsewhere. Discussions with Benfica broke down because they were not willing to meet Real Madrid's demand for a buyback option for next summer, and Jorge Mendes has been working the market around Europe. That keeps the situation open, but the key point is unchanged: until Asencio's future is resolved, Madrid's next defensive signing stays on hold.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
