Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are reportedly tracking Real Madrid young striker Marco Asensio. According to reports from Don Balon, the Red Devils are looking to make a move for the Spanish midfielder at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
The 21-year-old Asensio is already one of the hottest young prospects in Spanish and European football. He came into prominence last season, scoring 10 times in 38 appearances for Madrid in the 2016-17 campaign.
This season, he has already scored 6 goals in 17 appearances and looks set to go way past his last season tally. It was only natural, then, for Madrid to offer a long-term contract for the youngster which he signed in September.
However, just like every other player’s contract in Spain, Asensio too has a release clause which is set at an unbelievable £442m. Post-Neymar transfer world, everything less than £100m looks feasible for a potential player and Real Madrid made him sign a new contract with increased release clause and pay package.
Asensio is reportedly enjoying life under Zinedine Zidane and may not be enticed by the thought of leaving the European Champions. However, United hope to lure the player to Old Trafford by triggering the release clause.
But, what are United’s chances of signing him? There are very few clubs that match the might and stature of Madrid and United is one of them. However, it remains to be seen if we would be willing to splash such unbelievable amount on one single player.
Also, it would be up to the player to decide if he wants to test himself in the English Premier League. One factor which may impact his decision is the lack of starts in the Spanish capital. Asensio has only played 45 minutes of Champions League football this season and considering the pressure that Zidane is under, after a poor start, there could be some developments in this case.
United’s ill-tempered relation with Madrid (De Gea’s failed transfer, remember?) will be another factor which makes the pursuit of this youngster very interesting.
What’s your opinion? Should United go for the Spanish youngster?
