Real Madrid could face major Marco Asensio problem

Marco Asensio’s position at Real Madrid is very delicate right now and nobody really knows what is coming next. With unpredictability fast becoming his middle name, the fans are never sure what version of the Spaniard will take to the pitch, every time he is brought on as a substitute.

It’s hardly been a month since his touchline controversy, in the game against Mallorca. In the summer there were links and rumours about interest in Asensio from England, Italy and even from Barcelona. Nothing worked out in the end as he stayed on, but fact of the matter is he has been a bit-part player this season at the Santiago Bernabeu so far.

Real Madrid have never actually found a definite starter on the right over the last several years, and one of the reasons behind that is Asensio has never developed into the player everyone had hoped he would be.

The rise of Federico Valverde and Rodrygo’s penchant for goals has pushed Asensio down the pecking order, although, he does seem to be ahead of Eden Hazard. With consistent minutes on the pitch hard to come by though and his deal set to expire next summer, he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with potential suitors in January.

Real Madrid could face major Marco Asensio problem soon with his contract running out

Despite Asensio being a bit-part squad player right now, it would be a blow for Real Madrid to see him walk out as a free agent. On the other hand, would clubs be willing to shell out a transfer fee on the Spaniard when they can sign him for nothing just some months later?

Asensio by very nature is a flamboyant player. He rarely scores tap-ins or simple goals. When you see his name on the scoresheet more often than not it’s for scoring what they call a “golazo”.

Real Madrid are facing a weird phase when it comes to the Spanish national team. There has been a long and glorious tradition of a Madridista not only representing La Roja but captaining the side. Even when Spain were simply the best team in the world – with a core made of Barcelona’s Tiki Taka generation – it was Iker Casillas who donned the armband.

Currently only two members of the current squad are seemingly on their way to Qatar with Dani Carvajal alongside Asensio himself. Yes, Real Madrid have Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema, and even Hazard representing them at the World Cup. But the lack of representation in the Spanish national is expected to be on Florentino Perez’s mind.

Of course, this won’t matter until and unless Asensio puts his inconsistency to bed and starts performing week in week out. Interestingly, there has been a bit of an upturn in form recently with a timely goal against Elche and key involvement in both the late match-winning goals against Sevilla.

Thus, could his long-term future still lie at the Santiago Bernabeu? There have been some rumours which have suggested that he has been offered a new three-year deal.