Everton are daring to dream. With a maiden season at Hill Dickinson Stadium drawing to a close and a genuine push for European football still alive, the Toffees are already plotting an ambitious summer — and it starts at the back.

According to Fichajes, Everton are considering a move for Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio, with the Spaniard’s future at the Bernabéu far from certain heading into the transfer window.

From Ancelotti Favourite to Arbeloa Afterthought

Asencio was a trusted figure under Carlo Ancelotti but has struggled to nail down regular minutes since Xabi Alonso and subsequently Álvaro Arbeloa took charge. That dip in status has understandably sparked speculation over a potential exit from the Spanish capital.

Would Madrid Actually Sell?

Here’s the catch — probably not. With David Alaba nearing the exit, Eder Militão only just returning from injury, and Antonio Rüdiger enduring a stop-start campaign, Real Madrid are already thin at centre-back. Dean Huijsen is arguably their only reliable long-term option right now.

At just £22 million on Transfermarkt, letting Asencio leave would make little financial sense and even less tactical sense.

The Upside For Everton

If the Toffees somehow pulled it off, though? It would be a serious coup. Asencio is physical, commanding in the air, reads the game intelligently, and can play at right-back — a versatile defender occasionally compared to Madrid icon Sergio Ramos.

For Everton’s backline, he’d be a genuine upgrade. The question is whether Madrid would ever open that door.