With Real Madrid set to return for pre-season next week, new manager Jose Mourinho still has a number of decisions, mostly when it comes to youngsters about who makes his squad and who unfortunately misses out. Real Madrid Castilla has produced a number of talented youngsters in the last couple years that could be useful to keep in the squad, with Mourinho to keep a close eye on one youngster in particular during the pre-season.
As being reported by MadridXtra on X, Jose Mourinho wants to monitor fullback Victor Valdepenas during the pre-season before deciding whether he wants to keep the 19-year-old as part of his squad for the season, or if he would benefit from a loan move elsewhere for more first team minutes. This pre-season could prove to be crucial for a number of players with hopes of breaking into Jose Mourinho's squad with Valdepenas hopeful of his chances.
Pre-season could prove crucial for Valdepenas' future at the Bernabeu
Valdepenas was given his senior team debut last season by Xabi Alonso back in December during Real's 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves, filling in due to injuries to Ferland Mendy and Alvaro Carreras. The 19-year-old impressed many during his one and only senior team appearance, which earned him a place on the bench during Real's Champions League tie against Manchester City, however he didn't make another appearance.
Valdepenas will be given a fair chance to impress and win over Jose Mourinho during the pre-season, however following the arrival of Marc Cucurella, and Alvaro Carreras set to serve as backup, it could be difficult for the youngster to find a place in the team, so a loan move or even a permanent sale with a sell on clause could make sense for the defender.
A number of Serie A teams including AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Bologna have shown interest in the defender as well as Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. From an outside perspective looking in, a move to Frankfurt would be the best for his development given the style of football played in Germany suits Valdepenas much better.
The 19-year-old is currently valued at just around €5 million and just signed a new contract with Los Blancos until 2029 following his impressive first team debut. Whether or not Valdepenas will remain at Real Madrid next season only Jose Mourinho knows, but given the recent transfers of Real Madrid youngsters, it wouldn't be surprising if we see Valdepenas get sold in a deal with a sell on and buy-back clause just as we've seen with other Castilla products this summer.
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