Rafael Nadal helped Real Madrid sign Spanish star

It is no secret that Rafael Nadal is a Real Madrid supporter. The club have many celebrity fans all over the world and the Spaniard is easily one of the most famous. And interestingly, it looks like he has advised them when it comes to making signings in the past.

Marco Asensio’s time at Real Madrid seems to be ticking down. He is at best an impact substitute at the club right now. And unless something unexpected happens, it would be safe to assume that he will be departing, either in January or in the next summer transfer window as a free agent, when his contract runs out.

While Asensio continues to perform well for the Spain national team, he no longer seems to be a key part of this Real Madrid team. And it appears that Nadal had been instrumental in his signing.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo (via Diario Gol), Barcelona were close to signing Asensio in 2014 but the economic factor made the move impossible. It was then that the call of Nadal was key to his arrival at Real Madrid. The tennis superstar called Los Blancos to advise them not to let the signing slip through their fingers.

Nadal played a key part in the Spaniard’s move to Real Madrid

Initially, it had looked like Real Madrid had pulled off a masterstroke by signing Asensio and he was destined to be a future superstar at the club.

But unfortunately, things have not gone as smoothly since then. Asensio’s role in the team has reduced over the years and now, with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and even Federico Valverde ahead of him as a winger, it might be time for him to depart.

Asensio has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United recently, so there is not any lack of options for his signature.