Liverpool are keenly observing Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio, according to Spanish media outlet Sport.
Marco Asensio took the world by storm with his stunning long range goals in 2017, especially in Clasicos. However, since then, the Spaniard’s career hasn’t taken off as it was expected to.
The 26 year old only has a season and half one his contract remaining. Contract talks have reportedly broken down, due to the player demanding a pay increase.
The report suggests that there are other big clubs around Europe who’re monitoring this situation. Arsenal are one of the clubs looking to sign him as he’s near the final year of his contract.
Regardless, the Reds are leading the race to sign the forward and are favorites at the moment.
Liverpool will face competition for Asensio
Asensio has an exorbitant release clause of $700 million in his contract. Obviously, Madrid and Liverpool will have to negotiate for the player.
Real Madrid are reportedly fine with letting Asensio leave for a fee of around £50-60 million. The former Mallorca man has scored 7 goals in 20 La Liga outings this season.
The winger recently scored his first hattrick against Mallorca last year
The Royal Whites are said to be proposing a basic wage of four and a half million euros annually, which corresponds to roughly £73,000 per week in football terms.
Possible incentives make it close to £100,000. Although, the forward could surely earn more elsewhere if this figure is genuine.
Liverpool are apparently willing to match Real Madrid’s offer by 50%, giving a package worth around £113k per week. Jürgen Klopp is a ‘huge fan,’ according to reports.
Ancelloti loves Asensio but is unsure if he’s good enough to be a starter
The winger was once touted to be the ‘new’ Messi and, he almost played the part too. However, an ACL injury during July of 2019 saw him stay out for almost the rest of the year.
He came back for just the very end part of the season, but was largely a former shadow of his own talent and abilities.
Nevertheless, he has since bounced from that setback and is starting to recover his old form. Asensio’s form under manager Carlo Ancelloti has also made clubs such Liverpool take notice.