Last month, it was widely reported that Nacho Fernandez will not sign a new contract with Real Madrid, and thus will end his 23-year association with the club at the end of the season.
The veteran defender is keen for a new challenge, although it sees that his lack of prominence is also a contributing factor in his decision to go.
Nacho has played regularly over the last few months because of injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba, although he has been benched on occasion, with Carlo Ancelotti opting to play with Aurelien Tchouameni as a makeshift centre-back.
This happened during the final 25 minutes of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, with Nacho being the first substitute withdrawn. Eduardo Camavinga replaced him, with Tchouameni dropping back, and according to Diario AS, Nacho was furious at this decision, as it further enforces the point that he is the “weak link” in Los Blancos’ defensive options.
This episode has further reinforced Nacho’s desire to leave Real Madrid in the summer. He is eyeing up a move to the MLS, with a host of clubs keen to secure his signature.