Real Madrid: Don’t expect a Fabian Ruiz, Isco swap deal

Napoli center midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been on Real Madrid’s radar for over a month, while Isco seems destined to leave the club soon. Could a player swap actually happen?

Real Madrid haven’t received much of anything from Isco this season, and the center attacking midfielder’s role in the club is starting to fade. Isco made a nondescript appearance as a substitute in the final 10 minutes of Real’s 4-2 win over Granada before the October international break, and he then had a disastrous start in an uncomfortable role against Mallorca following the break.

As a whole, Isco doesn’t seem to be 100-percent healthy after missing a significant period of time with an injury. His talent is difficult to deny, and he used to be one of the best attacking midfielders in the world with his elite dribbling skills, acceleration, clever layoffs, and delicious curled shots from the left-hand side.

Now, Isco seems to be destined to leave Real Madrid in either the winter or summer, with several rumored player swaps potentially set to happen. There has been plenty of smoke hovering around a possible Isco and Christian Eriksen swap with Tottenham, as Eriksen is on an expiring contract and appears to be a top target for Florentino Perez this winter.

But Real Madrid are also reportedly interested in Fabian Ruiz, who recently shined in an international appearance for Spain. Ruiz’s stock has been rising rapidly since his breakout 2018-2019 campaign, as the young center midfielder has received a healthy dose of interest this year from Real and Barcelona.

Napoli are trying to tie Ruiz up to a high release clause, but the player is reportedly uninterested in signing a new contract with a prohibitive clause. Ruiz is clearly eyeing the interest from Barca and Real, and if he keeps it up, either of those teams could very well make a move for the exciting passer next summer.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Real Madrid, in fact, are prepared to offer Isco and 20 million euros to Napoli for Ruiz. Isco is still just 27 and is arguably the more dynamic player when fully fit. The problem is that Isco hasn’t been in form for a while and is an injury risk, whereas Ruiz is a young player on the ascent.

Ruiz would clearly be a better fit for Real positionally, though Real already have Toni Kroos and interest in a cheaper player in Christian Eriksen. If they want to sign a center midfielder on the rise, Donny van de Beek may also be a better option.

Still, 20 million euros plus Isco for Ruiz would be a good deal for Real. If Ruiz wants out and wants a move to Real, he could try to force Napoli’s hand. But in all honestly, Napoli should have very little interest in Isco, and the cash sum would simply not be enough for this deal to happen.