Real Madrid academy defender working ‘like a beast’ to win over Jose Mourinho

Raul Asencio is preparing for what could be the defining summer of his young career. The 23-year-old academy graduate remains determined to fight for his place at Real Madrid despite facing fierce competition in central defence, reports AS.

The academy graduate is working “like a beast” to convince Jose Mourinho that he can be a valuable asset amid rumours of a potential departure.

Asencio does not wish to leave
New signing Ibrahima Konate, recently renewed Antonio Rudiger, the returning Eder Militao, and highly-rated Dean Huijsen all appear to be ahead of Asencio in Jose Mourinho’s plans.

The club are also continuing to monitor the market for another experienced centre-back, with Alessandro Bastoni emerging as the preferred option following Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury and the high cost of Josko Gvardiol.

For many academy players, such circumstances would encourage a move elsewhere in search of regular football.

Former Castilla defenders such as Jacobo Ramon, Mario Gila, Rafa Marin and Victor Chust all chose that path. Asencio, however, has no intention of leaving.

Working relentlessly during the summer
Since Real Madrid’s final La Liga match against Athletic Club on May 23, Asencio has spent his holidays back home in Gran Canaria. Yet his summer has been far from relaxing.

Rather than enjoying the island’s beaches, the defender has devoted much of his time to training under the guidance of a personal fitness coach.

According to people close to the player, he has been working with exceptional intensity throughout the offseason.

Those around him describe his commitment as being on another level, insisting they have never seen him train this hard during a summer break.

Focused only on convincing Mourinho
Real Madrid have asked super-agent Jorge Mendes to inform the club should a significant offer arrive for Asencio, allowing them to evaluate any potential transfer. The defender, however, is not interested in exploring other opportunities.

His sole objective is to convince Mourinho that he deserves a place in the squad for next season. With a contract running until 2031, Asencio feels no urgency to seek a move elsewhere.

Instead, he wants to prove that he can contribute at Real Madrid and establish himself within the first-team setup.

Asencio is expected to report to Valdebebas on July 13 when Real Madrid begin preseason preparations under Mourinho.

The coming weeks could shape the next stage of his career. While competition for places is stronger than ever, the academy graduate remains fully committed to earning his opportunity. The final decision rests with Mourinho.