Fulham and Crystal Palace Enter Race for Rising Real Madrid Defender Raul Asencio

Raul Asencio has emerged as one of the most talked-about young defenders ahead of the summer transfer window, with Fulham and Crystal Palace both showing strong interest in bringing him to the Premier League. The 23-year-old center-back impressed with several mature performances for Real Madrid during the 2025/2026 season and has started attracting serious attention from clubs across England.

Both Fulham and Crystal Palace reportedly see Asencio as an important addition to strengthen their defensive lines next season. Fulham are aiming to improve their squad depth as they push for qualification to European competitions, while Crystal Palace continue building momentum after their strong run to the UEFA Europa Conference League final and their ambition to compete regularly on the European stage.

Interest in the Spanish defender has continued to grow over recent months. Tottenham Hotspur had previously been linked with Asencio, while West Ham United and Everton were also reported to be monitoring his situation. The increasing number of interested clubs highlights how highly the young defender is now rated within the Premier League market.

Although Asencio has not yet become a permanent starter at Santiago Bernabeu, many observers believe he has the qualities to develop into a top-level central defender. After progressing from Real Madrid Castilla into the senior team, he earned praise for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game under pressure. His development has convinced several clubs that he could adapt successfully to English football.

Real Madrid are reportedly still undecided about the player's long-term future. The club is believed to prefer maintaining some level of control through a loan agreement, buy-back clause, or future sell-on percentage rather than approving a straightforward permanent sale. Future decisions could also depend on the plans of Jose Mourinho, who is expected to have significant influence over Madrid's project next season. For now, Fulham and Crystal Palace are waiting for Real Madrid's final position before making their next move in pursuit of Raul Asencio.