Financial pinch leaves Real Madrid with only two academy graduates

Al Real Madrid are left with only two homegrown players in the first‑team squad – 23‑year‑old Raúl Asencio, currently injured and listed for sale, and 23‑year‑old Álvaro Carreras, signed from Benfica for €50 million. The club’s recent €40 million sale of Gonzalo García to Fulham has added a noticeable dent to the finances.

The update, recorded at 12:26 CEST on 31 July 2026, highlighted the impact of the Fulham transfer on the club’s cash flow. It also reinforced the perception that La Fábrica now mainly generates revenue rather than first‑team talent.

With Mourinho’s preseason decisions still pending, only Raúl Asencio and Álvaro Carreras remain from the Valdebebas academy in the Primer squad. Their presence hinges on the coach’s willingness to rely on La Fábrica graduates after a busy transfer window.

Raúl Asencio, 23, suffered a training injury yesterday and faces at least a month and a half on the sidelines. Real Madrid have not found a place for him, and he now competes with newly signed centre‑backs Rüdiger, Konaté, as well as Huijsen and Militao for a spot.

Legal cloud looms over Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio

Álvaro Carreras, also 23, arrived from Benfica after a €50 million deal and was expected to become the left‑back of the season. However, the club’s €60 million acquisition of Marc Cucurella suggests Mourinho will likely start the new signing instead.

The departures of César Palacios to Fulham and the permanent exit of Nico Paz further shrink the academy pipeline, leaving Real Madrid with the same number of homegrown players as Barcelona.

Real MadridJosé Antonio García Sirvent / PropiasToribio BlancoSubdirector

The club’s statements indicate that La Fábrica still struggles to produce a breakthrough talent for the first team, a concern that may shape future recruitment strategies.