The Saudi Pro League clubs are determined to attract the world’s best players, and one of Real Madrid’s standout players of the last two years has entered the list of interest for the “top four” in the Saudi Pro League this summer.
We’re talking about Raúl Asensio, who is currently going through a difficult period following reports of disagreements between him and coach Álvaro Arbeloa. The Saudi clubs hope to capitalize on this situation to bring him to the Middle East for the first time in his career.
Top Saudi Clubs Compete for Asensio
According to Al-Youm newspaper, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli are all very interested in signing Asensio during the summer transfer window, and serious steps are already being taken to achieve this.
The newspaper claims that the four clubs have already submitted various offers to Real Madrid in recent weeks to secure the defender’s services, and that discussions between these clubs and Asensio’s representatives have been ongoing for some time.
Asensio doesn’t seem opposed to a move to the Saudi league, where interested clubs are offering him an annual salary that could exceed €10 million, more than double his current earnings at the Santiago Bernabéu and more than any salary he might receive at any other European club.
Asensio has not yet made a final decision on the matter, while Real Madrid’s management has not set a price for him or decided whether to sell him. His contract in the Spanish capital runs until the summer of 2031 and includes a €1 billion release clause.
Asensio’s departure from Real Madrid is possible due to his disagreements with Arbeloa
Until the beginning of March, Asensio was one of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers, despite playing while potentially injured. He then suddenly missed the team’s last six matches, citing muscle pain.
According to Marca, Asensio has not suffered any injury and has been training normally for almost a month. His exclusion from matches was a disciplinary decision by coach Arbeloa.
Arbeloa wanted Asensio to apologize after he feigned injury to avoid playing against Celta Vigo. The situation escalated until the player finally apologized during the last international break.
Asensio then returned to action, before everyone was surprised by his exclusion from the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich due to gastroenteritis.
Asensio’s Career with Real Madrid
With Real Madrid suffering numerous injuries last season in central defense, Carlo Ancelotti gave Asensio the opportunity to fill the gap in that position, a role the 22-year-old fulfilled admirably.
With the arrival of Xabi Alonso, Asensio’s role diminished significantly, as the coach preferred other options. However, Ancelotti later discovered Asensio’s potential at right-back to compensate for the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal.
With Arbeloa, he played regularly despite his injury until the situation between him and the coach deteriorated. His impressive performances with Real Madrid earned him his first call-up to the Spanish national team.
Overall, Asensio made 77 appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists, and won one title: the 2024 Intercontinental Cup.
