Marco Assensio has been a revelation since his €3.7m move to Real Madrid, bringing an added touch of class to this incredible team. For this, he’s earned himself a bumper new contract with a reported £442m release clause, which has effectively ended speculation linking him with a move to England.
The young Spaniard previously had a £72m release clause, which although expensive, would have been money well spent. Since arriving back at Madrid from his loan spell at Real Mallorca, Asensio has ousted a number of stars, and effectively ended James Rodriguez’ Real Madrid career, with the consistency of his performances.
His form has certainly caught the eye, with his thunderbolt of a left foot leading to a number of incredible long range goals. With this in mind, it’s fair to say he’s earned his contract, even if it is a shame he won’t be lighting up English stadiums any time soon.
Or could he? Much of Asensio’s success can be attributed to Zinedine Zidane and his insistence on quality over Galácticos. But, if Zidane was to lose his job, would Asensio continue to get the same opportunities, or would Real Madrid sign a superstar to replace him?
Real Madrid have always prioritised names ahead of form. This was clear last season when Gareth Bale walked back into the team the second he was fit, despite Isco being in the form of his life. It’s likely Asensio could face similar treatment once Florentino Perez gets a shiny new toy that plays in his position.
In that case, surely a move to the Premier League would be on the cards? Arsenal has had strong links in the past, City has the funds and if Coutinho leaves Liverpool, they’ll have the need and the funds. Then there’s Manchester United, a team starved of creativity, with an over reliance on Paul Pogba – could a move to Old Trafford be a valid option?
If Asensio did decide to leave the Bernabéu, all of these clubs would surely be interested, along with the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG and Chelsea. But, what would he bring to the Premier League?
At 5’10, he is by no means a small player, and he’s physically strong, so adapting to the league wouldn’t be an issue. On top of this, he is typically Spanish in his technique, and his tight control, excellent passing range and long range shooting would see him thrive in England.
Of the sides mentioned above, he would probably be most suited to working with Pep Guardiola, and with the astronomical transfer fee that would be attached; it would probably be the most likely option. On current form and style of play, a move to Manchester United would seem most unlikely. But Jose Mourinho has proved incredibly successful with players of Asensio’s ilk, as he showed with Wesley Sneijder and Mesut Ozil, so this one may not be out of the question.
Either way, two things need to happen for this move to happen – Asensio’s form to drop, or be replaced at Madrid, and someone to stump up a lot of cash to sign him. At present, both options seem very unlikely!
