Nacho has reportedly turned down the chance to join Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window as he wants to move to MLS.
According to Spanish journalist Jorge C Picon, Nacho has zeroed in on his ideal destination in the summer transfer window. Bayer Leverkusen wanted to complete a Bosman move for the Real Madrid utility man. However, the Spaniard has rejected the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions as he wants to join an MLS club, although there are some obstacles before he completes a transfer.
Nacho and his legendary Real Madrid career
Nacho has been an asset for Real Madrid without ever being an undisputed first-choice starter at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 34-year-old has won every trophy multiple times with Los Blancos while making over 350 appearances thus far and chipping in with 16 goals and ten assists.
Meanwhile, the veteran Spanish international, who has turned out 24 times thus far for La Roja, has become the Real Madrid captain this season after the departure of Karim Benzema last summer. However, Nacho’s spell as the club captain will end after one season, as he will likely leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
The Spaniard has already informed Real Madrid that he wants to embark on a new adventure in the summer transfer window. The experienced utility man does not have a shortage of suitors, with Bayer Leverkusen submitting an offer to sign him. However, he wants to join an MLS club after leaving Real Madrid.
A new league calls
Nacho’s decision to move to MLS stems from his desire to end his career in a league where he can take it easy. The 34-year-old does not want to compete in elite football in the next few years and has thus zeroed in on MLS as his preferred destination. However, there are some obstacles to overcome before the Real Madrid captain joins a team from the league.
Nacho wants to sign a contract that pays him similar money to his current deal with Real Madrid. For that to happen, he will need to become one of three Designated Players for an MLS club. However, only five defenders across the league are DPs, while only three teams have vacant spots.
So, securing a lucrative MLS contract is not a foregone conclusion for the Spanish utility man. It will thus be interesting to see if Nacho’s next adventure comes in Major League Soccer with a deal he desires.
