Real Madrid views their 22-year-old academy graduate as the potential first signing for the 2025/26 season.

Real Madrid Identifies 22-Year-Old Academy Star as First Signing for 2025/26

 

Real Madrid entered the 2024/25 season with only two fully fit senior center-backs after Nacho Fernández’s departure and David Alaba’s ongoing recovery from an ACL injury. However, injuries have continued to pile up, leaving Carlo Ancelotti without a single fit first-team central defender.

 

Both Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger are now sidelined, while Alaba, who had only recently returned, suffered another setback. This crisis has forced Ancelotti to turn to the club’s youth academy, giving Raúl Asencio the chance to shine at the Santiago Bernabéu.

 

Raúl Asencio Set for First-Team Promotion

 

According to AS, Real Madrid sees Asencio as their first official signing for the 2025/26 season. The club plans to register him as a full-time first-team player, offering him a new contract and a salary increase.

 

Unlike a new signing, Asencio will not require an adaptation period, as he has already been training and playing with the senior squad for months. His standout performance against Erling Haaland at the Etihad further solidified his case for a permanent role.

 

A Smart Move for Madrid’s Defense

 

Promoting Asencio not only strengthens the squad but also allows Real Madrid to avoid an unnecessary signing in the transfer market unless an ideal candidate becomes available.

 

However, nothing is officially confirmed yet. The club maintains its stance that contract renewals and wage adjustments will only be discussed once the season ends. While informal talks may occur, formal negotiations are expected to start after Madrid wraps up their campaign in mid-July, following the new FIFA Club World Cup format.

 

Regardless, Asencio’s breakthrough performances and rising importance have already positioned him as Real Madrid’s first signing for next season.