What’s the story?
Liverpool have bid €50 million for Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio, but have been thwarted by Los Blancos, who immediately struck back the offer. According to Spanish radio station, Cadena Cope, (and later confirmed by AS), Asensio is being chased by a variety of clubs, which also include European giants such as Bayern Munich.
In case you didn’t know...
Marco Asensio was purchased by Real Madrid for a paltry €3.9 million from RCD Mallorca in November 2014. He was immediately loaned back to his club for the rest of the season and then impressed in his loan spell at RCD Espanyol in the 2015/16 season. The midfielder has grabbed the eye for Real Madrid in the 2016/17 season, which led to Bayern Munich’s sporting director, Michael Reschke claiming that the club "should build a monument" for whoever it was that signed Asensio.
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Also Read: 5 things to know about Real Madrid wonderkid Marco Asensio
The heart of the matter
Asensio started the season on fire, with some pivotal goals for Real Madrid. He scored on his debut for Real Madrid in 4 competitions – the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup, becoming the only player to ever do so. The Spaniard has not been integral to Zinedine Zidane’s side as the season has progressed, leading to rival clubs around Europe earmarking him as a transfer target.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the Spanish youngster, as he chases a tricky player to play on the wings for Liverpool, as rumours swirl around about Phillippe Coutinho’s joining Barcelona. The Reds viewed that a bid of 50 million would be enough to tempt Real Madrid into parting with a bit-part player but were swiftly rejected, with Madrid confirming that Asensio was not for sale.
The 21-year-old has a contract with Real Madrid until 2021/22 and has been featuring far more regularly of late, even coming off the bench to score for Los Blancos against Bayern Munich in their 4-2 quarterfinal win. Zinedine Zidane has spoken with Asensio and promised him a greater role in the first XI next season, with the Frenchman willing to part with James Rodriguez to accommodate Asensio, according to the report
Also Read: 5 Real Madrid players who almost joined Barcelona
What next?
Liverpool will have to turn their eyes elsewhere as the likelihood of the Reds coming back with an improved offer is almost non-existent. Real Madrid can expect similar bids from the likes of Bayern Munich in the future, but they have already made their intentions clear.
Author’s Take
Marco Asensio’s talent is obvious for all to see; Liverpool were correct to identify him as a prospect. However, Real Madrid have been unusually shrewd in the transfer market of late – years ago, Florentino Perez would have let Asensio go and brought in an overpriced superstar, but it seems Zinedine Zidane’s influence is preventing Madrid from making a blunder.
