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oct 31 2026Injuries force Real Madrid to make moves, and one solution could come from within. According to Encestando, the club is studying the possibility of recalling Eli John Ndiaye, currently on loan at Asisa Joventut. The loan agreement allows his repatriation in November, which would give Pedro Martínez another power forward without needing to sign a player.
The need is clear. Mikael Jantunen suffered a complete rupture of the plantar fascia in his left foot and will be out for several months. Theo Maledon has a knee sprain that typically requires at least a month and a half of recovery. In the medical bay, Gaby Deck remains sidelined for about four months with a shoulder injury, and Usman Garuba has not played since the Final Four in May. Additionally, Nick Smith Jr. is dealing with a foot issue.
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A quick and cost-effective solution
The Ndiaye option has clear advantages: it requires no trade negotiations or additional roster spot, and the player knows the club well. Encestando even points to the possibility of a swap with Joventut that would include Max Shulga, whom Madrid is looking to loan out for playing time. At the same time, the club continues to monitor the market, as evidenced by its interest in Ochai Agbaji for the perimeter.
From academy to Penya
Ndiaye, 22 years old and 2.04 meters tall, joined Real Madrid's academy at age 13 and made his debut with the first team. After spending last season in the United States on a dual contract with the Atlanta Hawks and playing minutes in the G League, he returned this summer to Madrid's orbit amid a dispute with Valencia Basket: the orange club made him an offer and Madrid matched it using their right of first refusal. He has a contract with the club through 2028, but with no room in Pedro Martínez's plans, he was loaned to Joventut for playing time.
