Mourinho sidelines Asencio and Lunin as Madrid plan winter exits

Under José Mourinho, Real Madrid have identified a gap in their squad as two fringe players fall out of favour. Raúl Asencio and Andriy Lunin are not in the manager’s plans for the current campaign, and the club is already looking at possible departures when the January window opens.

Off‑field issues and competition for places

Asencio’s standing deteriorated after off‑field controversies and a series of physical setbacks that limited his chances to impress. The defender also struggled to secure playing time, having not featured in any match this season.

Lunin, meanwhile, faces a stiff battle for the goalkeeper’s shirt with Thibaut Courtois. The lack of first‑team minutes has left the Russian keeper on the periphery of Mourinho’s selections.

Transfer outlook despite a closed window

Although the summer transfer window is shut, the club has begun mapping out its next moves. Reports from The Athletic on Thursday the 8th confirm that both Asencio and Lunin are expected to leave in the January window.

The defender’s exit was even considered during pre‑season, when Madrid explored a deal but Asencio showed no interest in departing, causing the negotiation to stall.

In contrast, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, once linked with a summer sale, chose to stay and has since earned regular minutes, even attracting a call‑up from France’s national team under Zinedine Zidane.

With the squad’s composition still fluid, Mourinho’s preferences may evolve, but the current trajectory points to Asencio and Lunin moving on when the market reopens.

Foto: / Jogada10 Por Madrid’s hierarchy, the winter window offers the final opportunity to resolve the surplus in defence and goalkeeping before the season’s second half.