What’s the story?
During a month which has seen Isco linked with a potential move to Barcelona among other clubs, Real Madrid have finally put their foot down and made a move, with the Bernabeu club rumoured to have offered the midfielder a massive contract extension.
However, reports have also stated that the Catalans have already touched base with the Spaniard over a possible switch to the Camp Nou.
The 24-year-old has been the subject of interest with clubs from all over Europe keen on securing the playmaker's services. But despite all the interest, the Real Madrid man denied any links and said after Spain's 4-1 win over Israel, "As players, we're susceptible to rumours. We're used to it and now that there's less football with the international break, some sections of the media have to make things up.”
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Despite having started only 13 La Liga games for Los Blancos, Isco has still managed to show just how good he can be, with a return of six goals and five assists during that time.
The Spaniard even managed to get on the scoresheet against Israel, scoring his 3rd international goal in just 18 appearances for Spain, and at just 24, the midfielder has time on his side.
The heart of the matter
As Isco heads into the final 12 months of his current deal, it presents Los Blancos with all sorts of problems with the Spanish midfielder being targetted by a host of clubs looking for a talented attacking midfielder.
With Barcelona in the mix, it makes things that much worse for Real Madrid and they definitely wouldn’t want to lose a young star to a title-challenging rival.
There's no secret behind the fact that Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, and even Toni Kroos aren't going to be around forever. That means that at some stage over the next few seasons the creative responsibility should be handed over to the former Malaga man and while Zidane hasn’t been able to play the 24-year-old regularly, judging by the offer on the table, that should soon change.
Also read: Reports: Real Madrid set for major squad overhaul in summer transfer window
Madrid have put an offer worth €6 million per year on the table which would run until June 2024, and at that point, Isco would be past 30. The contract essentially guarantees the club the midfielder’s peak years. This deal would also triple Isco’s current one and see him catapult into the upper tier of Real Madrid’s wage structure.
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Author’s Take
Isco can be used in so many different situations – as an orthodox No. 10, from a wider position, and even in a more withdrawn role in the midfield. Players who mesh quality and versatility so easily are very rare and this makes him extremely valuable to Real Madrid. It seems that they have recognised his worth, thus the lucrative new offer.
However, his skill set will also allow him to fit in nicely into any team he joins, especially Barcelona, and it will be exciting to see him slot into a midfield three at the Camp Nou, especially with the way the Catalans build their attacks.
