Real Madrid Transfers: 3 teams that could return Marco Asensio to stardom
The drama surrounding Marco Asensio, who is currently experiencing an ‘unsettled’ situation at Real Madrid, hasn’t gone unnoticed among top European clubs. Marco Asensio has reportedly refused an extension offer from Real Madrid as he looks for more greener pastures where he would be a starter and a superstar of the team – which of course isn’t possible here at Madrid.
Personally, I expected this one coming from last season where there was a little discontent among Asensio and Ancelotti regarding his game time but the topic was subdued after he got a few games in a row. It was natural that the issue will again come haunting before the start of the new season with Asensio achieving the age of 26 and about to enter his prime.
Real would lose a somewhat ‘promising’ winger and midfielder if he leaves in the next few days, but it shouldn’t have much effect on the team considering his minimal contribution after his return from injury.
I have identified three clubs that will benefit extensively if they make a move for the Spaniard also keeping in mind Asensio’s ambitions and where he could return to ‘stardom’:
AC Milan
The first team which makes the list is none other than Serie A champions, AC Milan. AC Milan and Real Madrid have a long list of exchanging players including the likes of Kaka, Ronaldo, Christian Panucci, and Diego Lopez. So Asensio’s transfer to Milan would be another one added to the pack.
According to some reports, it is certain that the Rossoneri have expressed their interest in signing the attacking midfielder but nothing is official as we still await the final decision from the player himself.
The reports can be backed as somewhat true with AC Milan losing midfielder Franck Kessie on a free, this window opening up space in the heart of the pitch with Asensio replacing the American international is a possibility that has been discussed internally among Pioli and the management recently.
Although Asensio doesn’t suit Kessie’s profile with him being termed as a box-to-box midfielder while after the injury, Asensio’s preferred position shifted to that of a winger rather than contributing to the midfield.
AC Milan will be able to guarantee Asensio regular first-team action where he could also operate from different positions suiting well with Pioli’s free-flowing football.
In 2020, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived in Milan, Pioli swiftly switched to his preferred formation of 4–2–3–1 enabling Hakan Çalhanoğlu to play a number 10 role with much freedom and sometimes acting as a false 9 or as a link-up man operating behind the striker. Pioli has certainly devised the same ploy with Asensio replacing the Turkish playmaker who left for neighboring rivals, Inter Milan last season.
Personally, I totally back this option, AC Milan is the best club for Asensio right now after Real Madrid to showcase his talent and become a crucial member of the team. After falling back for a few years, the Serie A title win has sent a clear message around Europe that the Rossoneri has successfully concluded their rebuilding process which lasted for a few years.