With the end of the season approaching, it is likely that Real Madrid will part ways with a number of young talents from the Castilla squad, who have reached the end of their cycle with the reserve team.
One such player could be young attacking midfielder Cesar Palacios, who has already made his first-team breakthrough this season, racking up four senior appearances.
As reported earlier this week, Athletic Club are pushing to sign the 21-year-old Spaniard, but more clubs have now entered the race.
Coma, Osasuna also want Palacios
Indeed, according to AS, Como 1907 in Italy and CA Osasuna in Spain have now entered the race to sign Palacios from Real Madrid.
Both are strong options for Palacios, who is highly regarded after finishing as Castilla’s top scorer with 14 goals this season. Both clubs have made enquiries and would be acceptable destinations from Real Madrid’s perspective.
Man in demand. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Como have become an attractive destination for Real Madrid academy players seeking to establish themselves, following the successful experiences of Nico Paz, who is set to return to the club in the summer, and Jacobo Ramon.
The Italian club also offers the prospect of European football, currently occupying a UEFA Conference League position and sitting just three points from Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Osasuna’s appeal is reinforced by the recent success of a similar move involving Victor Munoz, whose value has risen significantly after just one season with the club.
For Real Madrid, the most beneficial system remains retaining partial control over academy players departing the club.
The Merengues favour this model unless presented with an exceptional offer. As such, the plan for Palacios is to consider proposals for 50% of his rights, while also inserting buyback clauses.
