Real Madrid have postponed talks about Marco Asensio’s future until after the World Cup, despite reported interest from arch-rivals Barcelona. With his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu set to expire in June 2023, the Spain international will be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with any potential suitors in January.
In the early stages of the season, Asensio has struggled for regular minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, and the Real Madrid manager says there are no immediate plans to discuss his contract situation behind closed doors.
When quizzed about Asensio’s future following his goal in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Elche, the Italian told reporters:
“We haven’t talked about the issue of Asensio’s contract. He has played little but when he does, he shows that he can do it. He has been decisive and he will have more minutes in the future, and after the World Cup we will talk about his contractual position.”
The player is currently below in the squad pecking order behind Rodrygo and has been linked with Barcelona. When asked about Camp Nou’s reported interest in his services last month, the 26-year-old said he wouldn’t be opposed to a move.
Catalan radio station RAC1 had recently claimed that Asensio and Barcelona have reached a preliminary agreement on a four-year deal beginning in the summer of 2023. Barcelona’s recent financial woes have forced them to focus on bringing in free transfers.
Since his debut in 2016, Asensio has appeared in nearly 250 games for Los Blancos, winning three La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. Asensio will be hoping for more action after a brilliant cameo against Elche when Real Madrid host Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.
