Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger has never contemplated joining Barcelona in the summer
Real Madrid have many big decisions to take in the summer. With so many of their key players playing in the final months of their contracts, there is an urgent need to hand out new deals for next season.
Some decisions on that front are relatively straightforward as in the case of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema. However, there is a significantly higher number of players on the fence who place the management in a dilemma over their continuity. Marco Asensio is one such player.
The winger rejected Real Madrid’s contract offer last summer as he felt he deserved a higher salary and a bigger role on the field. He was subsequently reduced to a bench player by the manager and unsurprisingly began looking for a way out.
Of the numerous clubs requesting an appointment with him, the name of Barcelona stood out. However, COPE report that the Spaniard never contemplated signing for the Catalans.
It is difficult to dismiss his connections with Barcelona as a mere rumour given the strength the reports carried with them. In fact, it was even claimed that his agent, Jorge Mendes, had offered the winger to the Blaugrana.
Yet, one remembers the player’s celebration after scoring the disallowed winner at Spotify Camp Nou last month and the sheer pride and passion it carried.
In recent months, the youngster has slowly but surely climbed up the ranks under Carlo Ancelotti and shown himself to be a difference-maker. He has scored four goals and provided one assist in his last seven games for the Merengues including a goal and an assist in the weekend’s clash against Real Valladolid.
In the bigger picture, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and provided ten assists in just 800 league minutes this season. He may not be a regular starter next season if he renews but will certainly prove to be a major weapon for the manager off the bench.
But whether he would be willing to accept such a role remains to be seen. What seems clear at this point is that Asensio does not contemplate signing for Barcelona if he does end up leaving Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
