Marco Asensio sends emotional message after Aston Villa transfer decision – ‘Forever’
Aston Villa loanee Marco Asensio's future is subject to speculation this summer after his move from PSG last season.
Asensio was one of three statement loan signings completed late in the January transfer window as he moved to Villa Park for the second half of the season, alongside Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi.
Villa's trio of temporary arrivals helped take Unai Emery's side from tenth to sixth in the Premier League table, but missing out on a Champions League place on goal difference has harmed their PSR position.
A £40million option to buy on Rashford's loan deal looks unlikely to be triggered given his and Asensio's wages have already cost Villa half that amount, and the Lions have already made a decision on the latter.
Asensio thanks Real Madrid star after Aston Villa exit
Asensio managed eight goals and an assist in just 21 appearances for the Villans across his half-season loan spell, but returned to PSG at the end of the season as Villa waved goodbye to their trio of loanees.
Villa's former chief scout Mick Brown has since told Football Insider that Villa will not pursue a deal to sign Asensio permanently or extend his loan deal, and his immediate future lies in the French capital.
Asensio's own future wasn't the subject of his latest Instagram post though, as the Spaniard paid tribute to veteran Real Madrid wideman Lucas Vazquez after he left the Bernabeu on 16 July after 18 years.
The 29-year-old's post said: "Lucas Vazquez – [an] example friend. Great moments that will stay with us forever."
Aston Villa braced for exits after Asensio, Rashford decisions
Football Insider Verdict
Asensio has returned to PSG after they won the Champions League without him and Rashford has been completely cast aside at Old Trafford, but there's very little chance of either playing for Villa next season.
The likes of Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers struck up strong partnerships with Rashford and Asensio in midfield during their loan spells, but Rogers may be another player Villa are forced to sell this summer.
Emery has taken Villa on an increasingly upward trajectory since his arrival at Bodymoor Heath in 2022, but it remains to be seen if this summer's struggles will derail some of the progress he's made thus far.