Borja Mayoral reveals Julen Lopetegui wants him to stay at Real Madrid in the long-term despite being loaned out to Levante.
The 21-year-old had appeared to be set for a place in Madrid’s first-team squad for the second consecutive season but the signing of Mariano Diaz from Olympique Lyonnais torpedoed such plans.
“It all happened very quickly, and I believe I would still be at Real Madrid had Mariano not been signed,” Mayoral is cited as saying by Marca.
“Julen Lopetegui told me he wanted me to stay at the club a fortnight before that but I understand how the transfer window lasts so long and a lot can change.
“There were opportunities to join Sevilla and Alaves but I opted to go to Levante because of the manner in which they play and how they started the campaign.
“They had shown interest in me throughout the summer and whilst there were no opportunities at Madrid, this was my best option.”
