Real Madrid have reportedly received an enquiry from La Liga rivals Real Betis over the availability of defender Nacho in the January transfer window.
According to a report from Fichajes, Real Betis have approached La Liga leaders Real Madrid to explore the possibility of signing versatile defender Nacho Fernandez in the ongoing transfer window.
Nacho, a Real Madrid youth academy product, has spent his entire career with the Spanish capital outfit. The defender made his first-team debut in 2011 when he was just 21 years old and has since gone on to rack up 251 appearances for Los Blancos, finding the back of the net on 14 occasions while registering eight assists as well.
While he has never been a regular member in the starting XI throughout his career, Nacho has been a valuable squad member of this Real Madrid side, with his ability to play anywhere across the defence coming in handy on various occasions. The 31-year-old has done well and delivered almost every time he has been called upon, making a solid impression.
The Spanish international currently finds himself behind Eder Militao and David Alaba in the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu. Considering that he is not a regular in the lineup under manager Carlo Ancelotti, Real Betis are looking to take advantage of the situation and sign him in the winter transfer window.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are enjoying an impressive campaign in La Liga as they sit third in the table, with a real shot at finishing inside the top four. And to bolster their chances, Los Verdiblancos are looking to strengthen their roster, especially in defence, as they have conceded 21 goals in 18 games in the league – the third-highest in the top ten.
To that end, they are looking at multiple options, including Lazio’s Luiz Felipe, who is a summer transfer target for Barcelona. Nacho, too, has emerged as a target for Pellegrini, with the Fichajes report stating that Real Betis have contacted Real Madrid regarding his availability in the ongoing transfer window.
Real Betis are already in talks with the Merengues to re-sign Dani Ceballos and have broached the subject of Nacho during the same negotiations. With his contract running out in the summer of 2023, there is a possibility of the 31-year-old joining Betis on loan till the end of the season with an option to buy.
However, Ancelotti would be reluctant to sanction an exit as the team would need him in the absence of the two first-choice centre-backs, Militao and Alaba, due to injuries or Covid. Betis’ enquiry for the defender is thus unlikely to lead to anything substantial.