Real Madrid are reportedly considering selling Marco Asensio, who is a summer target for Liverpool, in order to fund a move for Neymar.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Real Madrid could be open to selling Marco Asensio in the summer transfer window, in order to procure up funds for the Neymar move. The Spaniard is the subject of interest from Liverpool, who have reportedly tabled a €180 million bid for him.
Asensio has been the golden boy of Spanish football for a few years now, with his status as a key player for Real Madrid only solidifying his stature of being one of the most exciting young prospects in world football. However, while he is rated quite highly across Europe, the lack of regular starts coming his way at the Bernabeu has led to speculation over his future.
Asensio started just 26 games this past season, and it has been suggested that he is dissatisfied with the amount of game time that he has received and could seek assurances over the same from new manager Real Madrid Julen Lopetegui before taking a call on his future. In the meantime, he remains a popular figure in the transfer market, with Liverpool hot on his heels.
The Reds hold a long-standing interest in Asensio, having also attempted to sign him last summer. But, Liverpool have stepped up their interest in the youngster this summer, as they look to bolster their attack by finally landing a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
For the longest time, Nabil Fekir was believed to be the aforementioned replacement. But, a few complications in his deal, coupled by the fact that Real Madrid have also emerged as a suitor, have forced Liverpool to look for alternatives, with Asensio a viable target.
Recent reports have even suggested that Liverpool have tabled a €180 million bid for the 22-year-old as they look to quickly seal the deal for him. And while the offer is a long way off from Asensio’s €700 million release clause, Real Madrid could just be open to negotiating with the Reds around their bid amount, and for good reason.
Los Blancos are eyeing a possible summer deal for Neymar, with Florentino Perez desperate to bring him to the Bernabeu. But, in order to impart with over €300 million for the Brazilian superstar, the Real Madrid president will have to procure funds from player sales, having spent around €100 million in his compatriots Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
Perez believes his good relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi could work in his favour. By offloading Asensio to Liverpool in a deal worth around €200 million, the Real Madrid president could relay the money to secure the services of Neymar.
Therefore, Liverpool seem to be on stable ground as they look to land Asensio this summer. But, what remains to be seen is if they abandon their pursuit of Fekir to completely focus on bringing over the 22-year-old from Real Madrid, now that Los Blancos seem ready to sell.
