It is, of course, understandable for the now-former Aston Villa player Marco Asensio to express his desire to play for Spain during the 2026 World Cup. This is the aim of everyone who ever steps foot on the pitch, regardless of age or any other factor. The difference is, for someone at the skill level of the midfielder, there is an actual realistic shot of his being able to see his name included in a WC roster yet again.
Asensio has already earned the privilege of being able to participate in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups for Spain. Not even 30 yet. The 29-year-old is positioned well enough that being able to go to a third consecutive World Cup is within the realm of possibility.
Now with Fenerbahçe, there is a chance, particularly if the Süper Lig side is able to qualify for the group stages of Champions League and the Spaniard makes a strong enough impression in Europe's top club competition and makes a good enough case to be included once again.
Had he and Villa found a way to continue on together, however, Asensio would have had just as good of a chance to impress the decision-makers, even with Villa being in Europa League.
Level of play will always be a major determining factor for when a manager ultimately makes their final decision. Villa not being in Champions League would be a slight mark against someone, but by virtue of being in the Premier League, that concern would easily be offset.
Would have worked out at Aston Villa for Asensio
At the end of the day, a manager, whether for club or country, wants to bring the best players that are in the best form. In a parallel universe in which Asensio remained in B6 and had an excellent EPL campaign, he'd have just as good of a case as some of his compatriots.
The bigger issue, whether at Fenerbahçe or Villa, would be the density of high-level talent that Spain has to offer at that position in midfield.
Still, Asensio, as was seen while he played for Villa, is someone who is still among the top attacking players and can still break down opposing defenses, a factor that could very much end up seeing his latest stated wish come true.