Real Madrid’s decision to sell Castilla standout is actually genius
Usually, selling a talented prospect with upside for just five million euros is not a good move. But in this case, Real Madrid have done brilliantly to sell one of their up-and-coming Castilla players this summer.
According to a report from MARCA’s Mario Cortegana, Real Madrid Castilla center back Mario Gila is close to having a transfer to Serie A giants Lazio finalized. Los Blancos were reportedly between loaning him to Lazio, who had long been rumored, or nearby LaLiga side Getafe, but they have chosen the Biancocelesti as the 21-year-old’s next destination.
Real will sell the talented young center back for just five million euros, as opposed to loaning him. But that is because Los Blancos will retain 50 percent of his rights, meaning they could buy him back for 10 million euros.
This deal is similar to the recent sales of Jorge de Frutos and Fran Garcia, who have gone on to shine as wide men in LaLiga for Levante and Rayo Vallecano, respectively. Real Madrid are unlikely to buy either back, but if the situation called for it, they could sign two of LaLiga’s best young players on the cheap.
Real Madrid would be more than happy to pay 10 million if Mario Gila flourishes
Therefore, Gila could be a similar situation in a season or two, depending on his development at Lazio. Although Lazio is a bigger club than Getafe, they may have more competition at center back and more of a need for a standout young central defender.
Gila’s path to playing time at Lazio is intriguing, and given Maurizio Sarri’s side finished fifth in the table, Gila could potentially get valuable European experience in 2022/23, in addition to the benefits of playing for a historic club in a very open attacking league (no, Serie A is not defensive anymore!)
The move to sell Gila instead of loaning him gives Real Madrid cash now, and they would be more than happy to pay the five million back and an additional five million in the future if the 21-year-old shines in Rome.
It’s a great transfer, because Lazio also have an incentive to work with Gila. They could end up with him permanently, and, at worst, they would be 10 million euros richer in the end while getting a couple of seasons out of a quality player.
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As for Gila, he would have had no path to first-team playing time in Madrid, so this transfer gets him going to a prestigious club where he has a shot at playing regularly. So in addition to the clubs, Gila wins, too.