Even though he made just 14 appearances in La Liga this season – playing 323 minutes – Isco is still a quality player with a lot to offer to a team lacking creativity through the midfield.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti favored the likes of Fede Valverde, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, and newcomer Eduardo Camavinga when the team needed an offensive spark late in a match.
However, when Isco was called upon, he showed flashes of what made him an unstoppable force in the Real Madrid starting XI for years. “ thought he played well in his limited minutes,” Managing Madrid’s Kiyan Sobhani said of Isco. “ didn’t think he was bad enough to outcast. Thought he would’ve been helpful progressing the ball in games where Modric and Kroos both sat out. Excited to see him next season in a new team.”
Yes, after nearly 10 successful years filled with titles and triumph, Isco will not return to the Spanish capital for another season, the club confirmed Wednesday.
At 30 and coming off of what could be considered a year off, Isco still has a lot to offer before calling it quits.
In fact, he could reunite with a former Real Madrid manager who has found success revitalizing veteran players’ careers.
🚨🥇| Roma is a possible destination for Isco. The first contacts have taken place. @Santos_Relevo
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 31, 2022
Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties as Real Madrid boss in May 2013 – just a month before the club brought Isco over from Malaga for €30 million. But a move to AS Roma on a free transfer could temp the bandy-legged-bandit, Isco.
Mourinho just led Roma to the Europa Conference League title and a sixth-place finish in Serie A in his first season in charge while using players like Tammy Abraham, Chris Smalling, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
All three left the Premier League for greener pastures. It was Mou who helped to rejuvenate their careers. This could be a tempting project for Isco when looking at the success of veteran guys looking for a second chance and several exciting young prospects coming up through the ranks.
Roma will have competition when it comes to attracting Isco
If he so chooses, the Spanish international will have a couple of options to stay home.
Per 90min, Sevilla and Real Betis could come calling for Isco’s signature. Apparently, Isco reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with Betis over a month ago.
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Wherever he does end up, he will surely have hundreds of thousands of Real Madrid fans still supporting him. When he arrived from Malaga, he was a young kid with lots of potential.
He leaves a five-time Champions League winner and a key cog of what has been the most successful decade in the club’s history.
Gracias Isco!