Real Madrid youth prospect celebrates national team return amid uncertain future at club | OneFootball

There has been a lot of generated around Raul Asencio’s maiden call-up to the Spanish national team – something that has renewed belief that La Fabrica talents, too, can compete with their La Masia counterparts.

However, Asencio was not the only Real Madrid youth prodigy to celebrate a call-up to the national team this week. The other one was Mario de Luis, who was called up to Spain’s U21 squad by coach Santi Denia.

A fantastic turnaround

As reported by MARCA, de Luis’ return to the Spain youth team marks a brilliant turnaround story for the RM Castilla goalkeeper, who was close to leaving the club not too long ago.

He started the season as Castilla’s fourth-choice goalkeeper, missing out on 10 of the first 12 matchday squads.

Raul Asencio’s national team call-up was widely celebrated across Real Madrid (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, his persistence paid off, and he has since established himself as the undisputed starter under Raul, securing seven consecutive starts and conceding only five goals in that period.

What’s next for de Luis?

De Luis’ return to the Spain youth fold marks a joyout moment for Real Madrid. But it must be noted that the goalkeeper’s future at Valdebebas is far from secure.

In fact, de Luis’ contract at the club expires at the end of the season, meaning he will become a free agent in the summer.

Given his form, de Luis’ status as a potential free agent next summer will not go unnoticed in the market either.

Therefore, the onus will be on Real Madrid to try and tie the youngster down to a new long-term contract, if they are to avoid yet another talented La Fabrica starlet leave the club and flourish elsewhere.