Marco Asensio is experiencing a rebirth this season. Nevertheless, he could leave Real Madrid in the summer – and that has two reasons.
It was quite telling of Eden Hazard’s situation. Against Granada (1-0), Real had to do without Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior, among others. But Rodrygo, Isco – and Marco Asensio were in the starting eleven.
The 115 million man remained on the bench, the 8 million man Asensio was preferred. It did seem a little strange that the direct competitor, of all people, had to encourage the Belgian. “What I see from him is good. He wants to present himself and please us, but a lot of things have come together, especially the injuries,” Asensio told “Cadena Ser.”
Why Hazard can’t get going even after two and a half years, Asensio said he “doesn’t know exactly either. He is one of the best players I have ever played with. You can also see that in training.”
But almost only there. Since Vinicius is set on the left wing, nothing will change in Hazard’s reserve role in the near future. Asensio clearly has the edge.
A shot like a dash – Asensio as Mbappé victim?
First of all after the game against Granada. The 26-year-old was by far the most striking offensive player for Real, his winning goal a feast for the eyes. Ball rotation? Not to be seen with his shot, or rather “projectile” in the 74th minute. It was not his only assault on keeper Luis Maximiano from the second row.
So things are going well again for the Majorcan, who has fallen on hard times. He missed the entire 2019/20 season due to a cruciate ligament rupture, and even after that he was not spared from dents in form and injuries. However, he never thought about leaving. “The injury year was complicated and it’s not easy to get back on track, but I knew I could fulfil my potential. I had several conversations with the coach and he gave me the confidence.”
However, the question inevitably arises: what’s next for Asensio? His contract expires in the summer of 2023, so Real could probably only make a decent transfer fee next summer. But AS is also speculating about a possible transfer because he might have to make room for Kylian Mbappé. A decision on extending Asensio’s contract has therefore not yet been made.
On the other hand, Hazard (contract until 2024) would of course also be a candidate for sale should he not finally get his act together. Gareth Bale and Isco (contracts expire) no longer have a future anyway.
Asensio himself is still not thinking about leaving. “At the moment I have nothing else on my mind but that: play a lot, play well and bring a lot of joy to the Real Madrid fans.” Consistency is now expected, and he knows that himself. “It may be that more is demanded of me than of others. I want to leave my mark.”
Asensio can make further arguments for a bid on Saturday (4.15pm) in the game at Villarreal. And of course next Tuesday in the Champions League: in Paris – and against Mbappé.