With the season entering the business end, clubs are already starting their plans for the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid being no different.
While progress is being made in pursuit of Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies, Los Blancos must also make some decisions regarding some of their current players that are in the squad or away on loan.
One such player, who will be facing an uncertain future come summer is youngster Rafa Marin. Currently away on loan at Deportivo Alaves, the 21-year-old has been playing regularly and gathering valuable experience in La Liga.
However, there is no guarantee that Rafa Marin will walk into the Real Madrid first-team squad next season once he returns from his loan spell, even though it has been suggested in the past.
Instead, MARCA is reporting that Marins future at Real Madrid could be linked with that of first-team captain Nacho Fernandez.
As things stand, Los Blancos have four senior centre-backs in Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Nacho.
Of the four, Rudiger, Militao, and Alaba are certain of being at the club next season, with the latter two set to return from their ACL injuries.
As for Nacho, his contract stands to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to sign a renewal, even though an offer is on the table.
If he opts to sign and stay put, Marin might not have a spot in the team and as such could be loaned out again or even sold permanently.
In the scenario that Nacho decides to move on, Real Madrid would have a direct replacement in the form of Marin, who would then become the fourth-choice centre-back.
Either way, Nachos decision on his contract might have implications for Marin and his continuity at Real Madrid.