Marco Asensio is no longer in PSG's plans, and the club is open to his departure

Marco Asensio’s time at PSG seems to be coming to an end as the club plans to sell him during the winter transfer window.

SoccerDino, Website Writer
Published: 03:08, 10 Jan 2025

Marco Asensio’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain has become increasingly uncertain, as the Spanish international finds himself sidelined at the club he joined on a free transfer from Real Madrid in 2023.

Once seen as a versatile attacking option capable of playing as a winger or attacking midfielder, Asensio has now fallen out of favor under the management of Luis Enrique. French newspaper L’Équipe reports that PSG has made the decision to part ways with the 28-year-old during the winter transfer window.

The decision to move on from Asensio comes as PSG intensifies its pursuit of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli’s highly sought-after Georgian winger. Kvaratskhelia plays in the same position as Asensio, and his potential arrival could reshape PSG's attacking options. Napoli has reportedly set a price tag of €80 million for the player, and PSG views Asensio’s departure as a means to facilitate this deal, both financially and in terms of squad balance.

Asensio has not featured for PSG since December 6, 2024, and his lack of game time reflects a significant shift in his standing within the team. Despite arriving in Paris with high expectations after a successful tenure at Real Madrid, including multiple Champions League titles, his contributions this season have been limited. In 15 appearances, Asensio has scored two goals and provided four assists, but his performances have not been enough to secure regular minutes in Luis Enrique’s system.

The Spanish manager appears to favor other attacking options, and the signing of Kvaratskhelia would further limit Asensio’s opportunities. While PSG has not disclosed specific details about clubs interested in Asensio, L’Équipe hints at interest from teams in Spain and England. Clubs in these leagues could provide the creative attacker with a chance to revive his career and gain more consistent playing time. However, his high salary reported to be €830,000 gross per month poses a significant challenge to any transfer. Few clubs outside Europe’s financial elite could afford such wages, leading to speculation that a loan move might be the most viable solution for all parties involved.

Asensio’s potential departure also raises questions about his future ambitions. A move back to La Liga could be appealing, allowing him to return to a league where he initially made his name with Mallorca, Espanyol, and Real Madrid. Alternatively, the Premier League’s competitive environment and financial resources might attract the Spaniard, offering him a fresh start and a new challenge. For PSG, finding a solution for Asensio would not only create space for Kvaratskhelia but also ease the club’s wage bill, aligning with the financial regulations imposed by UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.

Asensio’s decline at PSG is a stark contrast to the promise he showed earlier in his career. Known for his technical ability, vision, and knack for scoring important goals, he was once regarded as one of Spain’s most exciting prospects. His move to PSG was seen as an opportunity to rejuvenate his career after struggling to secure a starting role at Real Madrid. However, the transition has not gone as planned, and he now finds himself at a crossroads.

The winter transfer window represents a crucial period for Asensio. Whether through a permanent transfer or a loan, he will be looking for a team that can offer him a chance to play regularly and regain his confidence. For PSG, offloading Asensio could be a necessary step in their broader strategy to refresh the squad and remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.

Asensio’s story is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. From being a key player at one of the world’s biggest clubs to struggling for minutes at PSG, his journey underscores the challenges that even the most talented players face in maintaining their status at the highest level. As January approaches, all eyes will be on the next chapter of Marco Asensio’s career and whether he can rediscover the form that once made him a standout talent on the global stage.

Updated: 03:08, 10 Jan 2025