Castilla top scorer knocks on Real Madrid first-team doors amid La Liga, Bundesliga interest

Real Madrid will begin their 2026 campaign on January 4th with a home match against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu. This game is described as a must-win for manager Xabi Alonso, potentially one of three crucial "finals" to start the year.

The team's task has been complicated by injuries and absences. Star forward Kylian Mbappe has reportedly been ruled out for three weeks. Furthermore, the young striker Endrick has been sent out on loan, and attacker Brahim Diaz is away on international duty, leaving Alonso with severely limited options in attack.

Due to this attacking shortage, attention is turning to youth team prospect Cesar Palacios. According to reports from AS, Palacios has been excelling for the Castilla (reserve) team under coach Alvaro Arbeloa and is now pushing for a first-team opportunity. Although naturally an attacking midfielder, he has impressed while playing as a central striker (number nine) and has become the team's top scorer.

Despite his strong performances, Palacios has so far been overlooked by Alonso. However, the current injury crisis presents an ideal opportunity this weekend for the manager to consider Palacios for what could be his first-team debut.

Palacios's talent has also attracted interest from other European clubs. The report indicates that three Spanish clubs and one German Bundesliga side are considering a move for the young player. It suggests that if Palacios continues to struggle for recognition from Alonso—especially during this period when Mbappe, Endrick, and Brahim are unavailable—his departure from Real Madrid seems increasingly likely.