Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger on Barcelona rumours: “Never an option”
Speaking to El Chiringuito TV (h/t Fabrizio Romano), Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio has put an end to speculations linking him with a move to arch-rivals Barcelona.
The 26-year-old is in the final few months of his contract at Real Madrid and had previously said that he would not close the door to a move to Barça if an opportunity arose.
It had given way to speculations linking him to the Catalan outfit, with reports even indicating that the Blaugrana, who are ahead of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race currently, would be tracking him at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
However, Asensio has now seemingly ruled out a move to Barcelona, although he has left the door open for an exit in the summer, when his contract expires.
“Barcelona was never an option. I’m happy at Real Madrid, I feel very well… but in future, you never know. In that case, it wasn’t true that I was considering Barça as option,” Asensio said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
Asensio has been in the news due to his contract situation. At the start of the season, it looked like Real Madrid would not hand him a new deal and he would leave as a free agent in 2023.
But there has been a dramatic turnaround in the situation, with the 26-year-old winger proving his worth to the team with some fine displays in the weeks preceding the World Cup break.
In 15 matches across all competitions, Asensio has managed a tally of three goals and three assists even though he has largely featured off the bench for Real Madrid.
Currently a part of the Spain squad for the FIFA World Cup, Asensio will likely play a key role for Luis Enrique’s side in Qatar. It could serve to boost the interest he is attracting.
Given that the winger can negotiate with any club of his choice from January, Real Madrid will ideally want to renew him at the earliest possible.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
