Antonio Blanco, an inexplicable continuity

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Villarreal Levante

20/09/26 18:30:00

1.55 4.10 5.50

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Antonio Blanco, a 26-year-old midfielder, will continue at Deportivo Alavés after the proposals he received during the summer did not meet his expectations. His release clause is set at €15 million, while his contract runs until June 2027, a combination that made an exit likely. The Villarreal's transfer market showed interest in him, but negotiations did not progress.

Antonio Blanco did not find the challenge he was looking for

Blanco has played 136 matches, scored 2 goals, and provided 5 assists for Deportivo Alavés since his arrival, also becoming one of the team's captains. In the 2025/26 season, he played 39 games, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. This season, he already has 4 starting appearances in LaLiga.

The market did generate movements around the midfielder. According to information published by AS, there was interest from Italy and France, and proposals also came from Greece, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, but none convinced the player as it did not represent the sporting leap he was expecting.

The situation is particularly striking considering his price. The €15 million of his release clause is below many transactions made during the summer, although weeks ago, that amount had also been reported at €20 million in information related to Villarreal's interest.

Furthermore, Deportivo Alavés was not obligated to sell. The club had previously rejected renewal offers for Blanco, and with a contract until 2027, they had the margin to retain a player who had already reached 136 matches with the team.

Real Madrid maintains a key position

Real Madrid holds 50% of Blanco's economic rights and has a right of first refusal, meaning Blanco's contractual situation does not depend solely on Deportivo Alavés. The midfielder was developed in Valdebebas and played 6 matches with the senior Real Madrid team.

His performance also explains why the market could see him as a low-cost alternative. Last season, he led Alavés in recoveries with 372, while at the start of the current campaign, he has held a consistent role in the midfield.

Blanco has mentioned that he is currently focused on competing with Alavés and does not rule out staying in Vitoria if a renewal offer aligns with his situation. Meanwhile, the club faces the upcoming months knowing that their contractual leverage is decreasing.

The crucial date will be January 2027: entering the last six months of his contract, Antonio Blanco will be able to negotiate freely with other clubs to join as a free agent at the end of the season. With a €15 million release clause still in effect and Real Madrid retaining rights over him, the winter market could reignite a deal that did not materialize in the summer.

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