Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to spend €40 million (£33 million) to secure the services of Real Madrid’s promising defender Raul Asencio, according to Fichajes.
The Tricky Trees have unexpectedly found themselves in contention for European football next season, thanks to the impressive efforts of Nuno Espirito Santo and his team.
The club is now focused on sustaining this success by making strategic signings that will shape the future of Nottingham Forest. This ambition has led them to Asencio, but Real Madrid are hesitant to let go of the young defender, whom they consider a key part of their long-term plans.
Forest Targeting Madrid’s Asencio:
As per the report from Fichajes, Nottingham Forest have “set their sights” on Asencio, viewing him as a young talent capable of strengthening their defensive line for years to come. While Real Madrid have yet to finalize their stance on the player’s availability, they regard Asencio as a “valuable asset.”
A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Asencio has broken into the first team this season, delivering standout performances in both La Liga and the Champions League. Most notably, the 21-year-old shone in the derby against Atletico Madrid, completing the full 90 minutes without being dribbled past once.
Raul Asencio’s 2024/25 La Liga Statistics:
- Appearances: 11
- Minutes Played: 679
- Assists: 1
- Pass Completion (%): 92.3
- Tackles Won per 90: 0.93
- Interceptions per 90: 0.67
- Clearances per 90: 4.67
- Aerials Won (%): 78.9
Forest’s strong domestic performances this season could make them an attractive destination for young European talents, especially if they maintain their current form. However, they may face competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle, both of whom have already expressed interest in Asencio earlier in 2024.
