Real Madrid centre-back Rafa Marin has enjoyed a fine debut season in La Liga with Alaves, helping guide Luis Garcia Plaza’s side to safety with plenty to spare. The 21-year-old had been a standout for Castilla in recent years, but showed little nerves in adapting to the top level.

Marin has been backed to return to Real Madrid this summer, and Relevo say that there is interest in him from other clubs, but that no decision has been taken on his future. Marin will take a decision with the club on whether to arrive as a rotational option in the senior team, or to look for a new loan. They say his future will depend on the recovery of David Alaba, the potential arrival of Leny Yoro, and the probably exit of Nacho Fernandez.

However Cadena SER (via Diario AS) claim that the decision has already been taken, and that he will be part of the squad at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. Other teams have enquired about him this season, but have been told that he will be staying with the club.

Nacho’s exit looks to be imminent save a sudden change of heart, while the chances of Yoro joining are also slimming. Marin would be behind David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao next season, and given the injury issues this season, it is no surprise that they would want to keep Marin.

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