Real Madrid Veteran Nacho Set to Leave Club After 12 Seasons

Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez, a 12-year veteran with 355 appearances for the club, is likely to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 34-year-old captain has informed the club of his intention to try a new experience outside of Spain, with Serie A champions Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing him.

Nacho, a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, has been with the club since 2001 and made his first-team debut in 2011. He has been a reliable backup for manager Carlo Ancelotti this season, even stepping up to score a penalty in their recent UEFA Champions League shootout win over Manchester City. However, after talks with the club, Nacho has decided it is time to move on.

Real Madrid is actively searching for a replacement for Nacho, with Lille teenager Leny Yoro emerging as an early frontrunner. Nacho has accumulated an impressive 20 trophies during his tenure at Real Madrid. If the club secures both La Liga and the Champions League titles this season, he would become the most decorated player in the club's history.

Why this matters: Nacho's departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, as he has been a loyal and consistent presence in the team for over a decade. His experience and leadership will be missed, and the club faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement to fill the void left by the veteran defender.

While Nacho has attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the USA, Inter Milan appear to be the frontrunners for his signature. The Italian side have already qualified for the Champions League and the 2025 Club World Cup, which could be factors in Nacho's decision. "Nacho has worked his way up through Real Madrid's youth academy to become captain of the senior squad, and he will not consider joining another club in La Liga after leaving Real Madrid," a source close to the player revealed.

Key Takeaways

• Nacho Fernandez, Real Madrid veteran, to leave on free transfer in summer.
• Nacho, 34, informs club of intention to try new experience outside Spain.
• Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing the Real Madrid captain.
• Real Madrid actively searching for Nacho's replacement, with Lille's Leny Yoro a frontrunner.
• Nacho has won 20 trophies with Real Madrid, could become club's most decorated player.