11 Players You Didn't Know Barcelona Almost Signed

#2 Marco Asensio

Asensio was so impressive that Mallorca promoted him to the senior squad right away

Currently signed to Real Madrid, Marco Asensio was scouted by Barcelona during his time at RCD Mallorca. The young Spaniard was in top form for the B team when he was just 17 years old.

The reports said, that he was so impressive that Mallorca promoted him to the senior squad right away. He continued to impress for the first team, and thus Barcelona draws their attention toward him.

According to the report at goal.com, Asensio was also keen on joining Barcelona so a deal was agreed for the youngster to make his move to the Barc. for an amount of €4.5 million.

Mallorca wanted the full amount in a lump-sum while Barcelona wanted to pay the fee agreed in installments. With the deal halted, it gave Real Madrid to swoop in and take him with them.

The midfielder was loaned back to Mallorca straight away and then loaned out to Espanyol in 2016. After impressing in both his loan spells, Zidane gave him a chance to prove himself for the Real Madrid first team.

Asensio did impress Zidane so much that when he got the chances the manager started preferring him over big-money signings like James Rodriguez and Isco.

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