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5 things to know about Real Madrid wonderkid Marco Asensio

Asensio was officially unveiled at the Bernabeu in front of cheering Madristas

Marco Asensio was scouted by Real Madrid before he even made his debut for his local team Mallorca B in the Tercera Division in 2013-14. Clearly, this kid was turning heads before he played a full game. Madrid managed to nab the youngster from Mallorca in December 2014 and left him there on loan. The following year, he trained with Real Madrid during pre-season but was again sent on loan, to Espanyol this time.

The young Spaniard clearly did things right because when BBC – Karim Benzema , Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo weren’t around to pick up the slack during their UEFA Super Cup final, he got picked for the starting XI. He made the most of his chance and not only did he score, he made it one to remember. Now, up until that moment, no one except maybe a die hard Los Blancos fan knew who the kid was. 

As soon as that ball flew into the net, the world discovered Marco Asensio. The 20-year-old was unveiled for the first time at the Santiago Bernabeu last Tuesday before making his home debut against the French side Stade de Reims. 

Wonderkid Marco Asensio is new to the world at large, so here’s a look at five things you should know about him:


5) Interest from Barcelona

Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio battles with Lionel Messi

While Real Madrid was scouting Asensio in 2014, Barcelona was doing the exact same thing. Apparently, the young midfielder was hot property a couple of years back. Barcelona offered Mallorca €1.5 million for him but was outbid by a more determined Real Madrid. Asensio signed with them for €3.9 million on a six-year contract. 

Ironically, Asensio grew up a fan of the Catalan giants. Barcelona had all but sealed the deal with Mallorca when talks broke down over the method of payment for the young player. While Mallorca wanted the entire amount up front, the Catalan club wanted the sum to be divided into variables. Madrid took advantage of these complications and signed him instead. Barcelona ended up signing Douglas.

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