Real Madrid set for surprise cash injection from former academy star bound for Serie A move
Real Madrid’s transfer plans this summer are expected to focus on arrivals, but one potential source of income could come from a player who no longer wears the club’s shirt.
According to AS, the Los Blancos are closely monitoring the situation of Rafael Obrador, whose impressive rise over the past few months could end up generating a welcome financial boost for the Santiago Bernabéu side.
While Obrador left Madrid last year, the club ensured they remained connected to his future.
It is a strategy the Real Madrid hierarchy has used repeatedly with academy graduates, and once again it appears to be working exactly as intended.
Real Madrid keeping an eye
Rafael Obrador could leave Benfica for Roma. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
When Real Madrid agreed to sell Obrador to Benfica last summer, they did not completely cut ties with the young left-back.
Notably, the club retained 50% of the player’s rights, allowing them to benefit from any future increase in value while also maintaining a degree of control through contractual mechanisms.
At the time, the move attracted little attention, as Obrador arrived in Portugal with promise but struggled to establish himself immediately and was subsequently loaned to Torino during the January transfer window.
Ultimately, the defender impressed in Serie A, earning regular opportunities and significantly raising his profile across Europe.
Rafael Obrador impressed during his time at Serie A. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
His performances have attracted the attention of several clubs, and his market value has grown considerably since leaving Spain, with one of the clubs now tracking him are Roma.
Roma aiding Real Madrid
According to information, the Champions League-bound Italian side are considering Obrador as an option to strengthen the left side of their defence ahead of next season.
Any move would require negotiations with Benfica, but Real Madrid would still have an important role to play because of the clauses attached to the original deal.
The defender’s current market value, as per Transfermarkt, is €4 million, meaning that if Roma are to pay that fee, Real Madrid would outright pocket €2 million.
