Aston Villa Eyeing A Permanent Move For The Versatile Playmaker: Why Emery Must Make The Call | OneFootball

According to a recent report from the Birmingham World, Aston Villa are keen on securing the services of Marco Asensio on permanent terms following an impressive winter loan. They have begun talks with Paris Saint-Germain and are hopeful to have the Spaniard on a cut-price deal with just a year left in his Parc des Princes contract.

The 29-year-old Spanish international progressed through the academy ranks of Platges de Calvià and Malaga before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad. Real Madrid roped him in 2014, and the attacking ace made 286 senior appearances till the culmination of the 2022-23 season. Although Los Blancos parted ways with Asensio upon his contract expiry at Santiago Bernabeu, he soon secured a Bosman move to PSG a couple of summers ago.

Why Aston Villa Must Keep Hold Of The Attacking Playmaker

Meanwhile, the versatile forward was not in Luis Enrique’s first-team plans, as he slipped down the pecking order behind Ousmane Dembele, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. The January arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia further decimated his minutes in Paris, and the Villa boss Unai Emery used his contacts and connections to snap up his fellow countryman for the second half of the season.

Asensio made an instant impression with 8 goals in 21 outings across competitions. Emery deployed him from his preferred ‘number 10’ role, and he soon became a fan favourite at Villa Park. Despite a deep run in the Champions League, a controversial final gameweek defeat against Manchester United snatched their elite European status for the 2025-26 campaign.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Marco Asensio of Aston Villa controls the ball whilst under pressure from Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Villa Park on May 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Aston Villa must now control their spending spree to comply with PSR, but the reported £12m valuation should not concern them too much. The likely departures of Emi Martinez, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey would generate enough transfer funds to reinvest in certain areas. However, Emery needs to solve one problem if Asensio decides to be a part of their battle towards reclaiming the Champions League status.

Emery Needs Reinforcements Regardless Of The Asensio Deal

Morgan Rogers, the rising Villa sensation, was forced to feature from the right to accommodate the Spanish veteran as a midfield attacker. This limits the youngster’s game, considering his creative spark and the ability to dominate the half spaces in and around the attacking third. Marcus Rashford prefers Champions League football amid interest from Barcelona, and the potential exit of Bailey and Buendia would further decimate them down the flanks.

While Donyell Malen and Jacob Ramsay are there to slot in as wide attackers, the same can not be said for Rogers and McGinn, even though they have often exhibited their versatility in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Regardless of signing Asensio in the summer window, Aston Villa must bring in at least one prolific winger.