Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez is stalling over a new contract at Real Madrid, following reports recently that Wolves are interested in him.
Nacho, 32, is out of contract next summer and could be on his way out of the Bernabeu, where he has been his whole career.
Nacho is supposedly frustrated with his lack of game time this season and position in the pecking order.
The summer arrival of Antonio Rudiger has pushed him further down, and minutes are now even harder to come by.
Nacho has never really been a regular for Real in all the time he has been at the club.
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But whenever he has come into the team, he’s done a good job. He is a popular figure with the fans for his loyalty and commitment.
But that loyalty is now seemingly being tested.
According to SPORT, he is no longer happy with being a player that is rotated in only when first-choice options cannot play. The publication describes him as ‘exemplary’ in terms of his commitment and professionalism. But he’s now in a tricky situation.
Real want to hand Nacho a new one-year contract, which is typical of the club for players over the age of 30.
But he is mulling it over, and working out what is best now for his career.
He is loved at Real, but he won’t play regularly unless there are injuries or suspensions for the others.
He has been comfortable with his role down the years. But it would appear he is now giving serious thought to moving on to perhaps try and become a regular for the first time in his career.
New Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui is said to be a fan of Nacho, having worked with him briefly at the Bernabeu. He also apparently likes Mariano Diaz.
Nacho Fernandez might not fancy Wolves move due if he won’t become a regular starter, as report claims he’s stalling over new Real Madrid contract
It is understandable that Fernandez might be giving thought to leaving Real Madrid.
He’s been a fantastic and loyal servant to the club.
But he’s never been a regular starter there and he might want that before he retires.
If that is what he’s after, then a move to Wolves might not be something that interests him.
Realistically, he would be coming in to play second fiddle to Nathan Collins and Maximilian Kilman. Unless Julen Lopetegui had plans to go to a back three, which doesn’t feel likely.
That said, he is still a really good player and Loptegeui may actually fancy bringing him to play regularly.
Nacho can also play right-back, which is a position Wolves have had problems with this season.