What Marco Asensio Did at PSG That Led Luis Enrique to Send Him to Aston Villa | OneFootball

Aston Villa are hitting their stride just in time for a huge Champions League quarterfinal clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Unai Emery’s squad got in one of their final tune-ups on Wednesday, taking on Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium. Villa came away with a commanding 3-0 win.

They followed that up with a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest this past weekend. While Marco Asensio didn’t find the back of the net in either match, attention is already turning toward his return to the Parc des Princes. And now, reports are beginning to shed light on why PSG let him leave for Villa Park during the winter transfer window.

What led to Marco Asensio leaving PSG for Aston Villa?

Clive Mason/Getty Images

L’Équipe reports that PSG are in a strong position regarding the Asensio situation. Although Aston Villa hope to retain the Spanish forward next season, several other clubs have already contacted his representatives to explore the terms of a potential transfer.

According to the report, Luis Enrique criticized Asensio for lacking commitment in initiating PSG’s collective pressing. He also told the attacker that his poor performances in training directly translated into his lackluster displays on the pitch. In front of the entire squad, Enrique reportedly urged Asensio to listen closely.

The confrontation had major consequences, as Enrique decided to no longer count on the player that night. Despite Asensio apologizing a few days later during training, he could not regain his place on the team.

Asensio’s loan to Aston Villa doesn’t include an option to make the move permanent, but according to Estadio Deportivo, Unai Emery has told sporting director Monchi to do everything possible to secure his signature.

The 29-year-old, who has previously played for Real Madrid, reportedly has a €15 million (£13 million) release clause, a figure that should not pose much of a challenge for the Premier League side.