Real Madrid News
Soon-to-be-free Real Madrid star offered to Barcelona by super agent – report
Just when it appeared like Marco Asensio had salvaged his situation at Real Madrid, a new cloud of doubt has overshadowed his future. Not many expected Alvaro Rodriguez to have the impact he is having during his first games with the senior team, yet, the youngster has quickly established himself as the manager’s best bet on the bench.
After being snubbed by the manager during the game against Real Betis, Asensio is said to be angry with manager Carlo Ancelotti and is considering an exit, while being open to offers from Barcelona.
And according to reports from Gerard Romero, Asensio’s agent Jorge Mendes has offered his client’s services to Barcelona. The Catalans admire the 27-year-old for his versatility, as he can play on either wing, as an interior, or through the middle. However, talks are in a very rudimentary stage.
The Spaniard will be out of contract in the summer and a proposed move to Catalonia would thus be on a free transfer. However, it is also reported that Barcelona do not wish to interfere with Asensio’s future at Real Madrid and will only make a move if Los Blancos do not wish to renew him.
The young forward has made 18 league appearances this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists so far. He has created three big chances and averages 1 key pass per game.
Florentino Perez is said to be unhappy with Ancelotti’s decision to bench Asensio and has reportedly asked the manager to field him more. This development could potentially change the Spanish international’s situation, although the final decision still rests with the coach.
The coming weeks will be crucial in deciding Asensio’s future. If the 27-year-old can get back ahead of Alvaro Rodriguez, there is a good chance the club renews his deal. Else, he could join the exclusive club of players to have played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
In what could be a real deal breaker for Real Madrid ahead of their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg clash against Barcelona, it has been revealed that as many as three Barça will be absent from the game while another key player remains a major doubt.
The list includes the likes of Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Andreas Christensen. The trio is certain to miss the game through respective injuries while a certain Frenkie de Jong is more or less ruled out, as per Javi Miguel.
It must be remembered that Barcelona are heading into the second leg with a 1-0 advantage. But the absence of the aforementioned players means Madrid can work on exploiting the frailties.
Despite the absence of such big names, Barcelona did pretty well against Elche in their previous outing, coming out 4-0 victorious, with the goals coming from Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
With options lacking in midfield, Xavi decided to use the likes of Sergi Roberto and Eric Garcia along with Gavi in the heart of the lineup. In any way, they do have Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie as backups if needed.
The defence, on the other hand, was perfectly guarded by Jordi Alba, Marcos Alonso, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
One can expect Xavi to once again interchange Araujo with Kounde on the right since the Uruguayan has been rather successful in minimizing the threat of Vinicius Jr.
As far as Madrid are concerned, they are sweating over the fitness of three key defenders, namely, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, and Ferland Mendy. Between these three, the Frenchman is out for about a month while Rudiger and Nacho are expected to be back before the Clasico.
If there are no casualties against Real Valladolid, Madrid will have a perfect midfield and attack, with only Mariano Diaz missing.
