Real Madrid boss Ancelotti and Perez have reportedly decided it’s time for Vallejo to make his exit — January could be his last dance at the Bernabeu.
The club is set to part ways with long-serving defender Jesús Vallejo, according to recent reports (via Fichajes).
After a disappointing cameo in Madrid’s 3-2 win over Alaves, both manager Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez seem to have lost patience with the 27-year-old.
MORE: All the latest soccer news | Real Madrid news | Explaining how 'socios' own Real Madrid
The Alaves aftermath
Vallejo was brought on in the 80th minute of the Alaves game with Real comfortably leading 3-0. It should have been an easy run-out, right?
Well, within seven minutes of his introduction, Alaves scored two goals, causing unnecessary nerves for Madrid fans before the team eventually held on for the win. Vallejo's performance left much to be desired, and it seems this may have been the final straw for Ancelotti.
The defender, who’s only made 32 appearances for Real Madrid in his nine years at the club, is now reportedly up for sale. Madrid is willing to accept a cut-price deal — or even let him go on a free transfer if necessary. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, a renewal is off the table.
Vallejo: The loyal soldier
Since joining from Real Zaragoza in 2015, Vallejo’s career at Madrid has been a series of loan spells and brief appearances.
Despite stints at clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Vallejo never quite broke into the first team. Now, at 27, it seems Real Madrid are ready to move on, giving the defender a chance to find a new challenge.
Vallejo may not have been a star, but he’s always been ready when called upon — a true club man. But as the January window approaches, Real Madrid fans might finally say "Adios, Vallejo" as the club looks to bolster its defense and challenge for silverware this season.
