La Liga
Raúl Asencio, a 23-year-old center-back, is once again being singled out as one of the players who could leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window. The club had already considered his sale during the summer, and José Mourinho aims to trim the squad of 26 players, while the defender remains intent on staying at the Bernabéu.
The scenario has shifted in recent weeks due to his sporting situation and various off-field issues. Mourinho has publicly expressed his displeasure with the recent incidents, though he has also praised the player's conduct at Valdebebas and dedication during his current injury recovery.
🗣 Mourinho speaks out about Asencio's condemnation pic.twitter.com/mEr7LrnoIK
— Diario AS (@diarioas) September 3, 2026
Raúl Asencio appears again among potential departures from Real Madrid
Real Madrid was willing to listen to offers for Raúl Asencio before the transfer window closed. The center-back chose to stay and compete for playing time, but his name remains on the list of candidates to leave the squad if his situation does not improve in the coming months.
Competition in defense limits his opportunities. Mourinho has Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté, and Antonio Rüdiger available, in addition to waiting for Éder Militão to recover, leaving Asencio without a guaranteed place among the coach's top choices.
His start to the season is further hindered by a muscle injury in his right thigh rectus, diagnosed on July 30. The Portuguese coach confirmed earlier this week that he will need at least a couple more weeks before being able to return to the team.
Asencio played 34 games, 2,514 minutes, scored two goals, and provided one assist during the 2025/26 season. In LaLiga, he featured in 23 matches, starting in 18 of them.

José Mourinho leaves Asencio's situation open
José Mourinho has been particularly clear about the behavior he expects from his players. When referring to Asencio this week, he praised his professionalism in training and commitment to recovery but also acknowledged he is not satisfied with the string of issues outside Valdebebas.
The coach did not announce an immediate sporting sanction. While the club's internal investigation remains ongoing, Mourinho views the center-back as part of the squad and will reassess his situation when he is available again.
Contractually, Madrid is under no pressure to sell. Raúl Asencio extended his contract until June 30, 2031, with a new deal protected by a €1 billion release clause. This allows Florentino Pérez to oversee any negotiations and reject offers that do not meet the club's valuation.
The player himself holds a different stance regarding a possible exit. His intention over the summer was to stay and compete for a position, even when Madrid allowed enquiries to gauge market interest.
The next few months will be crucial for Raúl Asencio. First, he must recover from his injury and then earn a place in José Mourinho's rotations during LaLiga and other competitions. If December arrives without much playing time, Real Madrid can activate his departure in January; if he manages to regain minutes and stability in performance, he will have arguments to support his continuity until the end of the season.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La salida que José Mourinho pide al Real Madrid
