Real Madrid rejected transfer offer from Manchester City for breakout star last summer: Reports
Real Madrid reportedly rejected an offer from Manchester City for Raul Asencio in the summer. As reported by Tribal Football, the Cityzens wanted to sign the Spaniard in a €6 million deal and loan him out to sister club Girona in Spain.
However, Los Blancos turned down Manchester City's approach for the defender who was still awaiting his senior debut back then. Retaining the 21-year-old has proven to be a wise decision for Real Madrid.
The Spanish and European champions have been really stretched by injuries at the back this season. Eder Militao suffered an ACL tear in November while David Alaba is yet to make his comeback from also an ACL injury.
Ancelotti has turned to Asencio amid an injury crisis at the heart of defense and the youngster has not let his manager down. He has played in four successive games for Los Blancos and has largely impressed.
Carlo Ancelotti has hailed the Spaniard for how well he has settled in the first-team after being handed his opportunities to shine. The Italian manager said, as quoted by Tribal Football:
“He has shown himself to be a reliable centre-back. He absolutely does not lack knowledge of the position. He is very well positioned, confident and motivated. He has contributed a lot in these four games. If one day I have to put him on the bench I have to think about it carefully."
Ancelotti added:
“Yes, he has surprised me, especially the maturity he has, the calmness he shows in handling game situations. He is never worried, you never see him afraid, he is very confident. He has already passed the test of fire, he can be considered a player of our squad with all the merit, because he deserves it.”
Asencio was formerly in the youth ranks of Veteranos del Pilar and Las Palmas before joining Real Madrid in 2017. He played 45 games of Real Madrid Castilla prior to earning his senior debut for the Spanish capital club.
Manchester City want defender linked with Real Madrid as Kyle Walker's replacement: Reports
Manchester City are reportedly plotting a move for former academy graduate Jeremie Frimpong as the long-term successor to Kyle Walker. As claimed by journalist Graeme Bailey, the Cityzens have set their sights on the Bayer Leverkusen defender, also wanted by Real Madrid.
Frimpong has emerged as one of the most coveted players in Europe having established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe with Bayer Leverkusen. Since joining the Bundesliga side in 2021 in a reported £11.5 million deal, he has registered 27 goals and 39 assists in 161 appearances.
The Dutchman played a pivotal role in helping Xabi Alonso's side win the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal undefeated last season. The Real Madrid target was formerly on the books of Manchester City as a youngster but never made it to the first-team before leaving in 2019.