Forgotten Real Madrid defender wants to stay at the club

Jesus Vallejo left Real Madrid to join Granada on loan one year ago after it became clear that he had no place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

It marked the beginning of the defender’s third stint with Granada, and it was glaringly clear that a future at Madrid was complicated.

One year later, the 27-year-old has returned from his loan stint, and it is safe to say that it was not a successful one.

Over the course of the year, Vallejo accumulated just one start in La Liga and played a total of just over 100 minutes in the competition due to fitness and other issues.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Real Madrid are ready to sell the player this summer, but it now appears that the process will not be as simple.

Vallejo’s vacillation

According to a recent update from The Athletic, Vallejo does not contemplate a departure from Real Madrid at this point in time. He wishes to stay and fight for a place, especially given the club’s situation.

It is no secret that Los Blancos are actively looking for a new centre-back option to fill the shoes of Nacho Fernandez and secure the team’s long-term future. Vallejo sees it to be an opportunity to stake a claim for a place once more.

Real Madrid, however, have no two ways about it and want him to leave this summer.

The contractual situation

Vallejo joined Real Madrid back in 2015 after a special season with Real Zaragoza but has never really got going at the Spanish capital.

His current contract with the Spanish giants runs until the summer of 2025, leaving the administration in a tricky position. After all, this is now the final summer window where they can generate revenue from his departure.

Vallejo may not attract a lavish price tag given his lack of playing time in recent years, but any return is better than losing the player on a free transfer.