Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio has allegedly now signed a new long-term contract at Bernabeu.
The 22-year-old had not particularly been on Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti's radar last summer in terms of centre-back options for the 2024-25 campaign, but a number of factors have worked in his favour this term.
Long-term injuries for Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, in addition to David Alaba's fitness problems, opened the door for Asencio to make his debut for Los Blancos in November 2024, and he has since gone from strength to strength.
Asencio has now made 30 appearances for the first team this season, keeping hold of his spot in the middle of the defence despite the return of Alaba to fitness.
The Spaniard's future has been a discussion point in recent weeks, as his existing deal is due to expire next summer, but there has been a host of speculation surrounding a potential new deal.
Asencio 'signs new long-term deal at Real Madrid'
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Asencio has now signed a new long-term deal at Real Madrid, with the contract set to be valid until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.
Romano claims that the Spaniard has seen his salary increase, with Ancelotti viewing him as a vital part of his plans for the remainder of the season and beyond due to the level of his performances since coming into the first team.
Asencio started his youth career with Las Palmas before making the move to Real Madrid in 2017, and he featured on 45 occasions for Real Madrid Castilla before being handed a first-team opportunity.
The defender's club form this season saw him called into the Spain squad for their UEFA Nations League two-legged quarter-final against the Netherlands, but he did not feature in either game against Ronald Koeman's side.
Will Real Madrid sign a new centre-back this summer?
Real Madrid are planning to move for a new centre-back during this summer's transfer window, with Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen believed to be their leading target.
Huijsen, who played twice for Spain during the recent international break, has a £50m release clause in his Bournemouth contract, and the 19-year-old is expected to be on the move at the end of the season.
Liverpool are also believed to be keen, but Huijsen is said to favour a move to Real Madrid, with that switch potentially being confirmed in the early stages of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal's William Saliba has also been linked with a transfer to Ancelotti's side, but he is likely to prove too expensive, while the same could be said for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, with the Toffees said to want upwards of £60m for the centre-back.
