After a quiet loan spell with Getafe, Juanmi Latasa returned to Real Madrid this summer with slim chances of breaking into Carlo Ancelotti’s stacked first team.
Having been included in the squad for the pre-season tour in the USA, Latasa even played a few minutes in Real Madrid’s opening game against AC Milan.
Now, with merely a few weeks left before the summer transfer window slams shut, the striker is generating tremendous interest from Spain.
Juanmi is a man in demand
Indeed, according to AS, several Spanish clubs have expressed strong interest in Juanmi Latasa, including Real Valladolid, Espanyol, Sevilla, Real Betis, and Rayo Vallecano.
Among them, Valladolid appears to be the frontrunner in securing his services, with the Franjirrojos searching for an adequate replacement for Radamel Falcao.
Although no agreement has been reached yet, Valladolid is currently leading the race for the young forward.
The strong relationship between Real Madrid’s board and Ronaldo Nazario simplifies negotiations.
The Merengues aim to transfer Juanmi Latasa while retaining 50% of his rights, a strategy they’ve successfully used for years. And Valladolid are closest to these terms.
The possibility of staying has not been ruled out
At the same time, though, the door to continue at Real Madrid is not completely shut for Latasa. After all, Ancelotti took him on the US tour, unlike Reinier, who was excluded.
While the 23-year-old’s chances of staying are slim, they are not zero. Latasa, for his part, hopes to carve out a role similar to Joselu’s last season, as a tall forward who can pose an aerial threat in late-game scenarios, though he would possess a secondary role.
Recognizing the immense competition, though, Real Madrid are working to find him a destination, with Valladolid currently leading the race. However, other clubs are also showing strong interest in signing him.