Xavi ‘really likes’ Real Madrid winger whose contract expires in 2023 – report

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez ‘really likes’ Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, who will be a free agent in the summer of 2023.

The 26-year-old Spaniard’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu looks bleak as contract talks stalled earlier this itself and there has been no indication from the club’s side that there will be a new deal offered to the forward.

It had sparked a series of rumours about a potential transfer to Barcelona as a free agent next year. The fact that Asensio is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has a good relationship with Joan Laporta, only served to fuel the rumours further.

Asensio’s entourage recently moved to deny that there had been any contact between them and Barcelona about a switch in the summer.

However, the Spanish international had refused to rule out a move to Spotify Camp Nou as recently as last month and there seems to be some degree of interest from Barça as well.

Mundo Deportivo claims that the Blaugrana had wanted to sign Asensio from Mallorca before his move to Real Madrid. However, a transfer had failed to materialise.

Now, with the possibility of signing him on a Bosman deal arising, Barcelona seem willing to make a move, with manager Xavi said to ‘really like’ the winger.

The Catalan giants, who will face Real Madrid next week in La Liga, already boast of a loaded attacking unit. However, Memphis Depay’s future at the club is uncertain while the decline in form of Ferran Torres has also become a major concern.

So, it will not come as a surprise to see Barça make an attempt for another forward like Asensio, especially with the Real Madrid ace set to be available as a free agent.

Although, with there being plans to bring back Lionel Messi from PSG as well, a move for the Argentine is likely to take precedence over the 26-year-old La Liga winger.