Real Madrid had identified an Argentine forward as one of their prime transfer targets this January, but his current club recently announced that they have rejected an offer made by the La Liga giants.
21-year-old striker Martin Benitez went through the youth ranks of Argentine club Independiente and made his first senior team appearance in 2011, at the age of 16. Since then he has made himself an integral part of the senior side and they have warded off interest from Real Madrid, who recently tabled a bid for the player.
If he leaves, he must play
The reason they decided against the move is because they want their player to be among the first team whichever club he’s in, but they believe Los Blancos would probably send him out on loan.
“Benitez is a very important player for us,” said Independiente vice-president Noray Nakis. [via:goal.com]
“We do not accept the offer from Madrid for them to then send him on loan to another club.”
“Madrid want him to go to another club to get more experience. Martin is very good and he has potential, so because of that, if he leaves he must go there directly to play.”
First team action is hard to come by
Independiente have shown great resolve to reject a bid from the financial giant that is Real Madrid CF. The reason they have given also appears legitimate, given the fact that they would want their academy graduate to be treated with respect and not consigned to being just another commodity for the club.
But finding a place in Los Blancos first team is a task that is difficult even for some very good footballers. It will take some time yet for Benitez to make the cut and if he is looking for first team action, then he should definitely be looking at smaller clubs.
