La Liga giants Sevilla and Real Betis are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid defender Nacho in 2023.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Nacho might leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the 2023 summer transfer window. And the Spanish defender could remain in La Liga, with Sevilla and Real Betis keen on signing him in a Bosman move.
Nacho has been with Real Madrid apart from the first two years of his youth career. After being with AD Complutense from 1999 to 2001, the 32-year-old joined La Fabrica. And the Spaniard went from strength to strength in Real Madrid’s academy before making his first-team debut in April 2011.
The Spanish international has been a dependable backup centre-back for Real Madrid over the past decade. Nacho has amassed nearly 300 appearances for Los Blancos, chipping in with 15 goals and nine assists. But the player has entered the final year of his contract with Real Madrid; and talks over a new deal have not progressed well.
Nacho could thus leave Real Madrid as a free agent next summer, leaving the Merengues in a spot of bother. The decision to leave Real Madrid might also be well informed, with the reigning La Liga champions showing interest in several central defenders, including Pierre Kalulu. Meanwhile, two Andalusian giants – Sevilla and Real Betis – want to sign Nacho next summer.
Sevilla will have to sign at least one centre-back next summer, with Jorge Sampaoli having only three options at his disposal. With the Argentine manager utilising a back three, Los Nervionenses are already falling short of central defensive options. Nacho is thus a viable target for Sevilla.
On the other hand, Manuel Pellegrini has several centre-backs at his disposal. But Victor Ruiz and German Pezzella are on the wrong side of 30, thus compelling Real Betis to keep an eye out for a central defender. In addition, Nacho might be a solution for the right-back slot in the absence of a reliable performer.
Real Madrid will likely continue to hold talks to tie the 32-year-old to a new contract. But Nacho is adamant that he wants to leave. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs are also showing interest in the experienced defender, but he wants to remain in La Liga. So Sevilla and Real Betis have the advantage in the race to sign the Spaniard.