Mario Gila has handed a blow to Real Madrid, with the 23-year-old SS Lazio defender ruling out a summer exit from the Serie A club.
In a recent interview with Spanish outlet AS, Mario Gila commented on his future amid emerging speculation. Recent reports have linked the 23-year-old with a possible return to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. However, he has ruled out returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, as he is happy at SS Lazio.
Gila said, “Do I want to be a new reference for Lazio? Absolutely yes. am not leaving here, even though Real Madrid have an option and offers have arrived. The club believes in me and I believe in Lazio.”
How has Mario Gila fared at Lazio?
Mario Gila has found a stable footing in his career since joining SS Lazio from Real Madrid in July 2022. A native of Barcelona, the Spaniard spent his formative years in Spain, passing through the academies at Catalan clubs like Santa Perpetua de Moguda, CE Sabadell, CF Mollet UE, CF Damm, and Espanyol before joining Real Madrid in July 2018.
The 23-year-old spent four years at Real Madrid, turning professional at the club but never progressing from the Castilla side. So, the Spanish defender decided to leave Real Madrid, with the move to Lazio serving him well.
Gila grew in stature at the Serie A club in the 2023/24 season, becoming a mainstay at the back in the second half of the campaign and making 29 appearances across all competitions. The player’s progress in Serie A has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid in the market for a centre-back
Real Madrid first showed interest in re-signing Mario Gila ahead of the January transfer window. David Alaba’s long-term injury forced Los Blancos into the market, although they did not sign any player in the winter window. Gila has re-emerged on Real Madrid’s radar amid uncertainties over the possibility of landing Leny Yoro.
The young Frenchman is a target for Manchester United, with the Red Devils pushing hard to secure his services in the summer transfer window. So, Gila has emerged as an alternative to Yoro for Real Madrid. However, with the 23-year-old happy at Lazio, the Merengues must set their sights elsewhere.
