Where Unai Emery Wants Marco Asensio to Play for Aston Villa | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain loanee Marco Asensio made his Aston Villa debut in their 2-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham last weekend at Villa Park.

The former Real Madrid star also opened up about his exit from the French capital, despite having periods as a regular starter in a False No. 9 role.

Asensio will stay with the Premier League club until the end of the 2024-25 season, with Villa covering his full salary until June. However, there’s no option to buy included in the deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Additionally, Duncan Castles provided insight into Asensio’s move to Aston Villa, revealing that the club rejected a buy option for an important reason.

Castles explained that Villa turned down the purchase option because PSG had asked for a loan fee, and the club was reluctant to agree to the fee due to strict Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Marco Asensio opens up about PSG exit and role at Aston Villa

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In an interview with The Mirror, the veteran attacker noted where Aston Villa manager Unai Emery envisions him playing for the Premier League side.

“And a key factor in my decision was that when I spoke to Unai, he told me he sees me as a No.10,” Asensio said. “When I left Real Madrid, I felt that was the next step in my career where I can feel more comfortable and develop more. So, when we spoke, he saw me as a No.10. That was important to me.

“I’ve known Unai for years. I know how he plays. His style suits my football and he will get the best version of me.”

Asensio also highlighted what led to his departure and noted that Luis Enrique preferred other players over him.

“Basically, nothing happened!” Asensio added. “The coach just felt that he would make other choices for players. He picked them. That was happening quite frequently during the season; I decided I needed to play and I wanted a change.”