Recent reports from Fichajes have suggested that Rafa Marin could be on the verge of making a surprising return to Real Madrid sooner than anticipated.
The young defender transferred to Napoli for approximately €12 million during the summer transfer window. However, his time in Italy has not unfolded as expected, and the circumstances at Napoli have proven to be less than favourable for him.
So far this season, Marin has struggled to establish himself within the Napoli squad. He has not yet made his debut in the Italian Serie A and has only managed to play a mere 90 minutes in the Coppa Italia.
This lack of game time is far from what both the player and the Napoli management envisioned when they decided to bring him on board.
The limited opportunities have raised concerns among Marin’s supporters and the player himself, particularly as he left Real Madrid with the reputation of being a promising centre-back for the Spanish national team.
A move favourable for everyone
Real Madrid are currently facing some defensive challenges, grappling with injuries and inconsistent performances from several defenders.
Given these issues, the club is reportedly contemplating the possibility of activating a buy-back clause for Marin which is set at €25 million.
The familiarity he has with the Real Madrid environment, along with his close relationships with many of his former teammates, makes him a compelling option for the club.
A return for Marin, while unexpected given his recent move, could be beneficial for both the player and Real Madrid.
He would have the opportunity to gain the valuable playing time he has been missing in Italy. At the same time, Real Madrid would strengthen their defensive lineup with a player who has grown up in their system and understands the demands of the club.