After so many rumors and speculation, it seems like the summer 2021 transfer window could be the time when Real Madrid and Isco finally part ways. Isco was on the transfer list this winter, but Real, as expected, could not find the right offer for the 28-year-old midfielder.
There was smoke linking Isco to Sevilla, and he appeared to be ready to make a move to join forces with Julen Lopetegui. But a deal never materialized. Instead, Sevilla signed a more impressive player in Papu Gomez, who had a falling-out with his manager at Atalanta.
Now, Isco’s possibilities are dwindling. Arsenal were also previously linked to him, but they signed Martin Odegaard on a six-month loan deal. Madridistas hope Odegaard returns to the first team in 2021-2022, but a prolonged loan stay in North London could be on the cards. If that’s the case, that’s another team off the list for Arsenal.
Sevilla’s legendary sporting director Monchi told Estadio Deportivo that his club is not interested in Isco. He was quite dismissive of the idea of signing the attacking midfielder, succinctly stating that his supposed “interest” in the player amounted to a 15-20 second conversation in which he simply said “no”.
But surely, someone will sign Isco from Real Madrid this summer
Either Monchi is playing his cards close to the vest, or, more likely, the Champions League side has no interest in acquiring Isco and being the landing spot that helps the Andalusian get his career back on track.
Some team in Europe should have the financial means and tactical fit for Isco, but this familiar La Liga side may not be one of those clubs. Isco wants regular, first-team football, and he’s clearly not going to get it at Real Madrid. There is a youth movement going on, and while Isco is a talented footballer, he’s never really been the right fit for Los Blancos.
If Sevilla have moved on, the field for Isco is that much more wide open. Although his value has fallen sharply in the last couple of years, teams cannot forget that Isco is a player who once had six straight seasons with at least 10 goal contributions in La Liga. He is one of Spain’s finest footballers, and that fact has not been lost on Real Madrid’s hierarchy despite his lack of minutes. To this point, they have not been pushed into selling him for too cheap.