Real Madrid have realized they made a mistake with Lucas Vazquez

Real Madrid fans were preparing for Lucas Vazquez to leave the team at the end of the 2020-2021 season. Although Vazquez had stepped up big-time as a right back amidst multiple injuries to Dani Carvajal, it seemed like the club and player were too far apart at the negotiating table.

Vazquez wanted a raise, which made sense. He played lights-out at right back, so he should obtain more money due to his increased role and importance. But Real Madrid saw things differently. They felt everyone needed to take a paycut on new contracts, so they were not willing to offer Vazquez an improved contract on principle alone.

It appears their principles have changed.

Vazquez suffered a season-ending injury against Barcelona. (Interestingly enough, Karim Benzema’s assist-provider was so good that he received Team of the Week honors despite only playing one half!)

In the time since his injury, Real Madrid have seemingly realized just how important the Galician was to the team. Of course, Madridistas already knew and were devastated when they learned of his injury.

But there may be some good news coming.

Real Madrid have made an improved contract offer for Lucas Vazquez

According to a report from Tomas Roncero of AS, Real Madrid have upped their contract offer to Lucas Vazquez. They will now give him a three-year extension at five million euros per year.

Vazquez has interest from a lot of teams. Before his breakout 2020-2021, Vazquez was on the radar of mid-level sides like Arsenal, Napoli, and Leeds. But now, he has been generating interest from the elite clubs in Europe like PSG and Bayern Munich.

Perhaps the interest from those clubs was a hint to Real Madrid that Vazquez truly belongs in their side. And then the team’s struggles and Carvajal’s further injury issues simply sealed things in the eyes of management.

Vazquez has earned a longer stay in Madrid. In 2019-2020, he was not cutting it as a winger. But he has upped his performances significantly in 2020-2021. His heart, determination, and chance-creation have all been important to Madrid. While he is not a true right back, Vazquez has shown that hard work can make up for a lack of understanding of the nuances of a new position.

Hopefully, Los Blancos’ improved offer is a sign that both sides will come to the reasonable conclusion that a prolonged stay is best for both parties. We’ll see if Vazquez receives better offers elsewhere and is swayed. But right now, it seems like there is optimism.

It’s a good thing Real Madrid realized the error of their ways. They were undervaluing Vazquez, and now they see that they do need him around.