Barcelona preparing to sign Marco Asensio on a free transfer

Karan Tejwani

Updated: 1 Nov 2022 13:18 GMT
3 min read

Barcelona are looking at free transfers for next year and have targeted a few names they could bring in next season, with one that could be a particularly controversial transfer.

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Last season, they signed Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen in such deals and will continue to do so this summer, especially after their Champions League exit caused a financial blow.

The club can’t exactly spend as freely as they like and they can’t pull more economic levers to give them a quick cash boost, meaning free transfers will likely continue.

READ: Real Madrid to perform Asensio U-turn in blow for Man Utd and Arsenal

Their next big free transfer would raise eyebrows, as they are considering the possibility of a move for Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, according to journalist Fernando Polo.

Barcelona eyeing move

The winger is in the final season of his contract with the Spanish and European champions and it’s believed that Real Madrid are willing to let him go at the end of the campaign.

Contract negotiations have stalled, despite rumours that they would perform a U-turn and hand him a new three-year deal to keep him at the club.

READ: Marco Asensio: Ranking the five Premier League clubs interested in Real Madrid star

Real Madrid had been in talks with Asensio for months prior but were unable to reach an agreement on personal terms, with the Spanish club planning for the future, with plans to bring Brahim Diaz back to the club.

Asensio hasn’t had plenty of first-team opportunities at Real Madrid with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo taking up places ahead of him in the squad.

“The season is long. And I have to wait for my opportunity. I only playing a few minutes, but I focus on the quality of them, helping the team, giving my best... everything else doesn't depend on me, but on the coach and that he gives me more minutes.”

- Marco Asensio. pic.twitter.com/YWkanvIP2V
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 23, 2022

Now, Barcelona are planning to swoop for him, having previously been linked with a move for him earlier in the season when rumours came out that Asensio would not extend.

The club are keeping an eye on their wing situation in case Ousmane Dembele leaves next year, as they want to avoid losing him on a free when the Frenchman’s contract expires in 2024.