Major developments in the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid have been revealed on Friday evening.
This comes amid confirmation that a long-time servant of the club has come to the decision to move on upon the season’s close.
The player in question? Nacho.
Stopper Nacho, of course, is fresh off captaining Real to a stellar victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night, booking a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League in the process.
His future, though, has nevertheless long remained up in the air, ahead of the expiration of the 34-year-old’s contract terms in the summer.
The powers that be in Spain’s capital are understood to have been more than happy to extend the deal of a player who has never acted as anything but a consummate professional at the Santiago Bernabéu.
As confirmed by a host of sources across the continent on Friday, however, this will not prove to be the case.
As much comes with Nacho having come to the definitive decision to bring a close to his career-long relationship with Real Madrid in the summer.
His call has already been communicated to Florentino Pérez and the Blancos brass.
So, what next for Real Madrid?
Nacho’s departure will leave the capital giants severely short of options at centre-half, particularly when taking into account David Alaba’s long-term injury, and the fact that Éder Militão is only just back from an ACL tear of his own.
Arguably the best-run club in football, it should in truth come as little surprise to hear that a contingency plan in the case of Nacho’s exit, though, had long been put in place.
As per Blancos insider José Félix Díaz of Marca, Real are now ready to go all out for the signature of Leny Yoro.
LOSC Lille sensation Yoro has long been in the sights of Los Merengues, with the framework of a deal for the 18-year-old understood to have been drawn up.
His arrival in Madrid this summer now looks more likely than ever, with Rafa Marín, in the midst of an impressive loan stint with Alavés, also expected to be afforded an opportunity to showcase his talents back in Spain’s capital.
Conor Laird | GSFN
