18 Months After Leaving Real Madrid: Asensio’s Decline Deepens, Benched for Three Straight Games

Marco Asensio, once hailed as a future star at Real Madrid, now finds himself in a precarious position at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After leaving Los Blancos in the summer of 2023, the 28-year-old Spanish forward has struggled to find his form, and his time in Paris has gone from promising to disappointing. According to Marca, Asensio has failed to meet expectations, and PSG manager Luis Enrique has effectively sidelined him, with the club reportedly considering selling him during the January transfer window.

A Promising Start Turns Sour

Asensio’s move to PSG was seen as a fresh start for the player. Following his departure from Real Madrid as a free agent, he joined the French giants with high hopes, securing a lucrative €14.6 million annual salary. The signing seemed like a perfect match, especially with Luis Enrique—who had specifically requested Asensio’s arrival—taking the reins at PSG.

Initially, Asensio showed glimpses of his potential. He scored two goals in his first three Ligue 1 matches, appearing to settle into his new environment quickly. However, a foot injury sidelined him for nearly three months, derailing his momentum. Upon his return, Asensio struggled to regain his sharpness, and his performances failed to impress.

Falling Out of Favor

Asensio’s decline became increasingly apparent in recent weeks. He was left on the bench for three crucial matches: the UEFA Champions League clash against RB Salzburg and Ligue 1 encounters with Lyon and Monaco. To make matters worse, he was excluded entirely from the squad for PSG’s Coupe de France match against Lens just before Christmas.

Luis Enrique did not mince words when explaining Asensio’s absence, stating, “I only select players who are ready to compete.” The message was clear: Asensio was not meeting the standards required to earn a place in the team.

The Spanish forward’s struggles have been compounded by PSG’s tactical shifts. Initially deployed as a false nine in the absence of a true center forward, Asensio failed to make a significant impact. Enrique subsequently switched to a four-midfielder system, further limiting Asensio’s opportunities.

PSG Open to Selling

With Asensio’s contract running until 2026, PSG is reportedly willing to part ways with the player if a suitable offer comes in during the winter transfer window. French media suggest the club is open to selling Asensio for €25 million or more. However, no European clubs have shown interest in signing him so far.

At nearly 29 years old, Asensio’s high salary and inconsistent performances make him a less attractive option for potential suitors. Once valued at €90 million during his peak years, his market value has plummeted to just €20 million.

The Weight of Past Expectations

Asensio’s struggles at PSG are the latest chapter in a career that has been marred by unfulfilled potential. In 2019, he suffered a devastating ACL injury, which drastically altered the trajectory of his career. Before the injury, Asensio was widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in world football. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane famously described him as having “the second-best left foot in the world.”

However, the injury proved to be a turning point. Asensio was never able to fully recover the explosiveness and confidence that had defined his game. At Real Madrid, he gradually became a peripheral figure, and his departure in 2023 marked the end of an era that once seemed destined for greatness.

A Career at a Crossroads

Asensio’s current predicament at PSG highlights the challenges faced by players who struggle to recover from major setbacks. Despite his early promise, he now finds himself at a crossroads, with his future in professional football uncertain.

For PSG, the decision to offload Asensio would represent an acknowledgment that the partnership has not worked out as planned. For Asensio, a potential transfer could offer a chance to start anew, but finding a club willing to take a chance on him at this stage of his career may prove difficult.

As the January transfer window approaches, Asensio’s story serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. From being touted as Real Madrid’s “prince” to struggling for relevance at PSG, his journey is a sobering tale of unfulfilled promise and the relentless demands of the modern game.