TBR Football understands that Marco Asensio has agreed terms with Aston Villa to return to the club.
Asensio, 29, spent the second half of last season at Villa on loan from Paris Saint-Germain along with Marcus Rashford and he impressed hugely during his 13-game spell with three goals and an assist.
The former Real Madrid attacker only has a year left on his PSG contract and is not part of Luis Enrique’s plans at the Parc des Princes.
Aston Villa FC v Club Brugge KV - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Jacob Ramsey’s exit for Newcastle last week opened up the possibility of Asensio’s return, and now it seems Villa have accelerated those plans following instruction from manager Unai Emery.
Unai Emery makes stance clear as three-year deal agreed with Marco Asensio
Asensio has been the subject of interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce but now TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can confirm that Villa believe they are set to bring the Spaniard back to the Second City.
Sources confirm to TBR Football that Asensio has agreed terms on a three-year deal with Villa’s football chief Monchi – who is now in talks over a permanent deal with PSG.
Unai Emery Manager of Aston Villa brings Marco Asensio of Aston Villa on as a substitute during the UEFA Champions League fixture vs Club Brugge
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Bailey said: “Villa boss Unai Emery has been a key figure in pushing for the move. Emery has made it clear he needs more players and Monchi is working hard. Emery loved what Asensio brought to the squad last season.
“Asensio enjoyed his spell with Villa and has agreed his terms and both sides are confident a deal will be agreed.”
Marco Asensio would complete new-look Aston Villa front line after Marcus Rashford departure
With Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio leaving Aston Villa at the end of last season as their loans expired, Unai Emery has since added striker Evann Guessand to support Ollie Watkins.
Leon Bailey has departed on loan once again, so signing Asensio on a permanent transfer would allow him to build on his impressive form from last season.
Marco Asensio goals and assists for Aston Villa
Villa 2-1 Chelsea – Two goals
Villa 2-0 Cardiff (FA Cup) – Two goals
Club Brugge 1-3 Villa (Champions League) – One goal
Villa 3-0 Club Brugge (Champions League) – Two goals
Brighton 0-3 Villa – One goal, one assist
He scored three of Villa’s six goals in their Champions League last-16 win over Club Brugge, while also netting braces in two-goal wins over Chelsea and Cardiff.
At 29 years old, Asensio will feel he still has plenty to offer at the top level, and can use his experience as a four-time Champions League winner to help Villa in the Europa League.