‘Extraordinary’ player has just turned down a move to Liverpool

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Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio rejected a contract offer from Liverpool in order to sign for PSG instead.

The Spain international looks set to join the Parisians having seen out his contract in Madrid. But according to AS Diario, PSG weren’t the only ones in for Asensio.

They claim that the 26-year-old actually turned down concrete proposals from Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The reasons for Asensio’s decision are reportedly four-fold. Firstly, he’s claimed to see the departure of Lionel Messi, and possible departure of Neymar as creating a significant hole for him to be a key player in the team.

Secondly, he’s said to have been ‘seduced’ by PSG as a club, with their constant presence in the Champions League stated as a factor.

Asensio also reportedly made his decision based on proximity to his home-town of Mallorca. Paris being closer than the English trio of clubs is said to have helped to tip the balance in their favour. And finally, the French champions are claimed to have made him a financial offer that he couldn’t refuse. There it is.

Asensio never really an option for Liverpool

In many ways, it’s a relief to get this one out of the way. Ever since it became clear that he wouldn’t sign a new contract at Real Madrid, Asensio has been linked with a move to Liverpool. That’s been going on now for the better part of a year.

Throughout that time, it never once looked likely that the Spaniard would be on his way to Anfield.

As a free signing approaching his peak, he may have been of interest at one time. He’s certainly a good player, one who has been labelled ‘extraordinary’ by soon-to-be former manager Carlo Ancelotti [AS].

But for a couple of reasons, a move to Liverpool never appeared to be on the table.

For one thing, the Reds don’t really need him. Although they could perhaps use a left-footed back-up for Mohamed Salah, their Egyptian King barely misses a game, touch wood. That would mean Asensio would never get the game-time he would want in his favoured position.

With a number of top quality options across the rest of the forward line, there’s simply no need to add an expensive (in terms of wages) addition to the mix.

Additionally, harsh as it may sound, Asensio has the look of a player on the way down. Injuries have halted his progress to a degree that he no longer looks like being the world beater he once threatened to become. Maybe Liverpool did offer him a contract, but we can’t see why they would. The Reds are better off without him. Good luck in Paris, Marco.