Asensio to stay at Real Madrid this winter despite transfer rumors -report

Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio has decided not to leave the club this winter despite his lack of minutes and the rumors suggesting that he could be keen on signing for another club, according to a report published on ABC. Asensio wants to fight for a spot in the starting lineup and will not consider a departure this season, per that same report.

The Spanish attacker is in a tough spot so far this campaign. As a winger, he seems to be behind Hazard, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Gareth Bale in the rotation. Coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to play him as a central midfielder but he won’t get many minutes there either now that Madrid have both Camavinga and Valverde waiting for minutes behind Casemiro, Kroos and Modric.

Asensio’s current contract with Real Madrid expires in 2023, so it will be decision time for the club and also for the player very soon. If he can’t make an impact and prove that he can be a contender for a starting spot in the future, Madrid might not want to offer him a new deal, something which would force the club to find a transfer next summer if they don’t want to lose him as a free agent in 2023.

Asensio could eventually play some minutes this season as a false nine when Benzema needs some rest or even as a second striker, but Ancelotti has said in recent press conferences that he wants to play with a 4-3-3 formation, so the Spanish attacker will need to keep waiting for his chances.