Transfer Story:
As Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City close in on the Premier League title, the gaffer is already preparing for the summer transfer window. After enduring a path-breaking season this time, Pep is keen to bring in more reinforcements for the attacking department. Leroy Sane has been deployed as the left-winger for the majority of the games and the squad does not have a proper backup in the left-wing.
Hence, Guardiola is planning to raid his former rivals to bring in Marco Asensio to the Etihad. Asensio has been regularly touted to make a move away from Santiago Bernabeu since breaking into the first team around last year. The winger has a huge release clause in his contract and it would be interesting to see how City go about this transfer.
Asensio: Right up there at the top
Asensio is primarily a left-winger but can be shifted to central positions according to the requirements too. He possesses searing pace, can beat his marker with exceptional footwork and never seems to panic in front of the goal. His ability to take the right decision inside the box has been applauded by many. Asensio can shoot the ball accurately from long distance and hence it becomes difficult to guess his attacking moves, as he always seems to have an alternative up his sleeve. Under Zidane, he has been used occasionally but the lad is often the decisive factor in tight games.
Against PSG in the first leg of the Round of 16, he was called upon in the second half and the Spaniard instantly delivered. This season in the La Liga, he has played 25 matches. However, he played the full 90 minutes in 11 matches and was subbed on 10 other occasions. Hence, Asensio’s return of six goals and four assists should not be looked down upon.
Should he move to City?
Manchester City might be interested in the youngster, but it would be too early for the lad to leave Real Madrid. He possesses a lot of talent and potential and has a calm head on his shoulder. However, moving out of the country at such a young age will not be the ideal situation. The Real Madrid board rates the lad very highly and hence Asensio is expected to move up the ladder and take the centre stage at Santiago Bernabeu in time with Ronaldo’s worthy successor expected to be the hot topic in a year or so.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
