Real Madrid asks Joventut de Badalona for the return of Ndiaye

Real Madrid has submitted an official request to Asisa Joventut for Eli John Ndiaye to return to their ranks. The 22-year-old power forward, standing at 2.04 meters, has been on loan in Badalona for about a month and a half, but the injury situation in the white team has activated the contractual mechanisms that allow for the player's recall. This is a formal request: the incorporation is not automatic or immediate, but rather depends on the timelines stipulated in the loan agreement signed between both institutions.

The two-injured clause activates the return

One of the contractual requirements that allowed Real Madrid to request Ndiaye's return was the existence of two long-term injured players in his position. This condition has been met with the confirmed injuries of Gabriel Deck and Mario Jantunen. The white club lost the Finnish player due to the injury he sustained during the match against Fenerbahçe. Additionally, Usman Garuba is also unavailable in that area of the court, which exacerbates the situation in the interior game and reinforces the need for additional players.

The loan contract sets November 15 as the established date for the player's return, meaning that Ndiaye could remain in Badalona until Saturday, November 14, when Penya faces Casademont Zaragoza in the Liga Endesa. However, if the green-and-black club grants its consent before that date, the incorporation could be expedited, and the power forward would be available for Real Madrid's upcoming European commitments shortly.

Ndiaye's performance in Badalona

Since his arrival at Joventut, Eli John Ndiaye has shown moderate but consistent numbers. In six matches played in the Liga Endesa, the young power forward averages 8 points with 41.7 percent in three-point shooting, 3.5 rebounds, and a valuation of 7.5 in just over twenty minutes per game. In the FIBA European competition, he averages 6.5 points and 5 rebounds over two games, demonstrating his ability to compete at different levels.

Before being loaned out, Ndiaye played a relevant role in winning the Supercup with Real Madrid in September. His defensive versatility and ability to occupy spaces in the three-point area make him a valuable asset for a team seeking immediate solutions at the power forward position. According to information from AS, Joventut is awaiting the complicated signing of Jabari Parker, a move that could influence its willingness to release the loaned player.

Pedro Martínez opens the door for reintegration

The Madrid coach had already expressed his intention to recover Ndiaye days before the official claim was formalized. Following Real Madrid's victory over Recoletas San Pablo Burgos last Sunday, Pedro Martínez addressed the issue with caution but without hiding his desire: "We would like to see the possibility of bringing him back, but it's not something that will definitely happen. He is a kid who did preseason with us, he's one of ours, although he now has a contract with another team and I don’t know if it will be possible. Obviously, we would like to incorporate him. If it’s not possible, we will move forward."

The coach's words reflect the reality of a complex situation: the club's desire is evident, but its feasibility depends on multiple external factors. The injury crisis has forced Real Madrid to seek alternative solutions. Regarding other market movements, the potential loan of Max Shulga, the Ukrainian guard, has been on the table with several teams interested for weeks, but the club is now leaning towards maintaining his continuity in the squad.

The injury list affects the matchup against Panathinaikos

The injury situation is critical heading into the European matchup that Real Madrid faces this Wednesday, November 4, against Panathinaikos in the Euroleague. Theo Maledon is confirmed to be out for the match. The participation of Nick Smith Jr., who is recovering from problems with the plantar fascia of his right foot, remains uncertain, as does that of Facundo Campazzo. The Argentine point guard is suffering from an injury that, although not detailed in an official medical report, has forced Pedro Martínez to express his concern.

If Campazzo's absence is confirmed, Real Madrid would have six injured players in a roster of seventeen, a figure that highlights the magnitude of the crisis. This situation reinforces the urgency of the request to Badalona and underscores why the white club has activated the contractual clause to bring Ndiaye back. The match against Panathinaikos starts at 20:45 hours at Movistar Arena, and it will be a crucial test for a team depleted in its roster.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid pide al Joventut de Badalona el regreso de Ndiaye