Real Madrid defender returns from loan at Alaves

It is likely that center-back Rafa Marín will be part of Real Madrid's first team next season.

Alavés' official website announced that the player's loan period has expired and he will return to his home club. Previously, Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the level Marín demonstrated in La Liga and did not rule out relying on him for the upcoming season.

Throughout this season, Real Madrid has suffered significantly from injuries to their central defenders, so Marín could become one of the options for the next season. He is expected to replace Nacho Fernández, who is leaving Real Madrid as a free agent.

The 22-year-old Marín is a product of Real Madrid's youth academy. Until this season, he had only played for Castilla in the third division.

In the recently concluded season, Marín played 35 matches for Alavés across all competitions.