Monchi has opened up on one of Aston Villa’s biggest transfer near-misses of the summer — the failed permanent signing of Marco Asensio. Speaking to El Desmarque, the former Villa sporting director admitted that “everyone” inside the club expected the Spanish forward to rejoin from Paris Saint-Germain, only for the deal to fall apart amid financial restrictions and the player’s growing nerves.
Asensio had spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, quickly becoming a fan favourite under Unai Emery. His creativity and experience were pivotal as Villa pushed for a top-four Premier League finish and a first-ever Champions League qualification in the modern era.
But despite the mutual desire to continue the partnership, the move never materialised. “I thought he was going to end up at Villa Park, which was the goal,” Monchi admitted. “In the end, mainly for financial reasons — PSG was being tougher on us. Marco was nervous; he saw the market moving, and in the end, he chose Fenerbahce.”
The revelation has left many Villa fans wondering what could have been.
Asensio’s Impact at Aston Villa
When Asensio joined Aston Villa on loan in January 2025, few expected him to adapt so quickly. Yet the Spaniard’s technical class and Champions League pedigree instantly lifted Emery’s side. He not only provided goals and assists but also a calm influence in high-pressure moments, linking well with Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford.
Over just six months, Asensio made himself indispensable in Villa’s late-season surge, playing a major role in securing European football. His performances reignited his career after a quiet spell at PSG, prompting strong support for a permanent deal.
| Stat (2024/25) | Marco Asensio (Aston Villa) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 18 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Chances Created | 27 |
source: sofascore match data – 11 October 2025
Those numbers underline why Monchi and Emery were desperate to keep him. The idea was to make Asensio the creative link between midfield and attack — effectively the technical leader of Villa’s European push.
The Deal That Fell Apart
However, Villa’s failure to qualify for the Champions League proved decisive. The club faced PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) and FFP constraints, forcing them to prioritise budget control over marquee signings.
Monchi revealed that PSG demanded a transfer fee and wage structure that Villa simply couldn’t accommodate. “PSG were being tougher on us,” he said. “The negotiations were complex — we tried to find a formula, but it became too difficult financially.”
Asensio, meanwhile, began to grow anxious as the summer window wore on. “He was worried, he was nervous,” Monchi continued. “He saw the market was moving and that his deal wasn’t closing. He wanted clarity for his future.”
That uncertainty pushed Asensio toward Fenerbahce, who swooped in with a €7.5 million offer and a salary closer to his PSG terms. Within days, the deal was done — leaving Villa empty-handed and fans stunned.
“I thought he was going to end up at Villa Park, which was the goal. But in the end, mainly for financial reasons, because PSG was being tougher on us. Marco was nervous; he saw the market moving and it wasn’t closing.” — Monchi, via El Desmarque
Analyst Verdict – Villa’s Financial Reality
According to FootballPlace analyst John William, the collapse of the Asensio deal reflects the growing tension between ambition and regulation in English football. “Villa are a prime example of a club trying to compete at the top while still balancing PSR,” he said. “They had the sporting project, the player’s interest, and the fan support — but the numbers didn’t fit.”
William adds that losing Asensio will sting, especially since Unai Emery built parts of his late-season system around the Spaniard’s creativity. “His understanding of space and movement gave Villa an extra dimension. Replacing that, especially under financial restrictions, is incredibly difficult.”
Key Insights
- Monchi confirms Aston Villa fully expected to re-sign Marco Asensio.
- Deal collapsed due to PSR and wage constraints with PSG.
- Player became anxious as transfer window dragged on.
- Fenerbahce signed Asensio for €7.5 million.
- Villa missed out on a creative leader for their European campaign.
What’s Next for Villa and Asensio
Aston Villa have since turned their focus to integrating new signing Harvey Elliot and Jadon Sancho in attacking midfield roles. Emery remains hopeful the squad’s depth can offset the creative loss.
As for Asensio, the Spaniard has started brightly at Fenerbahce, scoring twice in his first five appearances in the Turkish Super Lig. Monchi, now reflecting from afar, insists there are no hard feelings — only disappointment that circumstances prevented the reunion.
👉 Would Marco Asensio have transformed Aston Villa’s attack — or did the club make the right call to walk away from the deal?
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