Liverpool were earlier linked with Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio and it appeared as though the deal was going to happen. However, reports are now claiming that Real Madrid have sent a message to the Reds stating that the youngster is not for sale in the summer. Asensio was reportedly valued at £40m.
Marco Asensio is considered as one of the brightest talents in the game of football right now and he has been good for Real Madrid this season. He has played 27 games for Real this season and has scored 8 goals and 3 assists in 1419 minutes overall.
The numbers seemed to have impressed Jurgen Klopp, who was reportedly keen on signing the player. But now, Madrid have clearly told the Reds that the player is not for sale. It was believed that an offer was made to the player with improved terms to that of what he is currently earning in Spain, according to Fichajes.
Asensio is a versatile midfielder and is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield. He prefers playing as an attacking midfielder but is equally capable of playing as a holding/box-to-box midfielder, or as a winger. In his 27 appearances this season (prior to this weekend), he has played 11 times on the left flank, 9 times as an attacking midfielder and 4 times each as a central midfielder and on the right flank. He has been most productive from the left wing and has scored 5 goals and an assist.
The Kop Times Verdict
Definitely, Marco Asensio would have been a great addition to the Liverpool squad but somehow the Reds have now missed out on one of the most talented youngsters around in Europe.
Liverpool certainly need some quality signings in the summer as they attempt to appear in the Champions League next season. A lot of transfer activity might depend on Liverpool’s final position in the league table this season. But if they do qualify for Europe next season, they will need more depth in the squad and hence quality players are a must for Liverpool to target in the summer.
Now that they have missed out on Asensio, they may have to look at other targets who are available in the market. There is no shortage of talented players in the transfer market for sure!
Marco Asensio – ruled out!
