Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward still on Barcelona’s radars, contract expires in 2023
Marco Asensio’s future at Real Madrid continues to be a topic of much debate and speculation as we close in on the New Year.
The 26-year-old’s current contract with the champions of Spain and Europe stands to run out at the end of the season. At one point, it looked like there was no way back for the former RCD Mallorca ace and that he would be let go as a free agent next summer.
But, in the weeks leading up to the World Cup break, Asensio proved his value to Carlo Ancelotti’s side, putting up some impressive displays off the bench and as a starter.
It gave way to suggestions that Real Madrid are ready to sit down and negotiate a new contract with the versatile forward, although without any significant raise in his wages.
While that may be the case, according to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid’s eternal rivals Barcelona are said to be still attentive to Asensio’s situation.
Barça had been credited with a strong interest in signing Asensio in the recent past. The fact that the winger’s agent, Jorge Mendes, shares a strong relationship with the Catalan club’s president, Joan Laporta, only served to fuel the fire.
Matters were not helped by Asensio’s statements in an interview during which he admitted that he would be open to swapping Real Madrid for Barcelona if the opportunity presented itself.
The Blaugrana are said to be still keeping an eye on Asensio and will even watch him closely at the World Cup, where he will be representing the Spanish national team.
The former Mallorca starlet will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the club of his picking in January.
Ideally, Real Madrid would like to renew him before that. There have been indications from the player’s side that he wants to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu as well. So, there is a good chance that Asensio pens an extension and puts an end to the speculations.
Jose Felix Diaz has reported via MARCA that Real Madrid want a major change in the Spanish refereeing system.
The reporter writes that the team from the Spanish capital has taken the issue as their top priority mostly because of what happened in the recent derby defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos are determined to relentlessly steer a significant overhaul of the refereeing structure, and they have no intention of resting in their pursuit.
Their discontent comes not only from recent events, particularly the contentious derby match but also from a deep-seated frustration with the state of refereeing itself.
Real Madrid not hiding their discontent
The journalist mentions that Real Madrid are unapologetic about their continuous criticism of the refereeing community, firmly believing that a transformation is of utmost importance.
Even prior to the emergence of the Negreira case, the Merengues had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with those responsible for overseeing the refereeing unit.
For what it is worth, the revelation of the former vice president of the CTA’s financial ties to Barcelona only solidified Real Madrid’s resolve to advocate for a complete overhaul in referee management.
Real Madrid are suspicious
Real Madrid firmly assert that any influence from Negreira’s historical decisions in certain key positions raises suspicions about the fairness of the competition.
For that, the management will do everything in its power to achieve a certain level of transparency within the organization that it believes is currently overshadowed by historical baggage.
As of today, Real Madrid continue to voice their concerns through their official channels.
Right now their ultimate goal is to eliminate the involvement of Clos Gomez in VAR decisions, marking the beginning of a long-standing battle they are fighting.
