Isco decides to shelve Real Madrid contract talks until June
While the length of the deal on the table and the midfielder's wage demands are not a stumbling block, Isco wants assurances over playing time. Chile-Australia live
Real Madrid and Isco have opened negotiations on a contract extension for the Spain midfielder, whose current deal expires in June 2018 and although both parties are keen the player has decided to wait until the end of the season before making a decision.
The length of the new deal has been agreed to 2022 and Isco is not holding out for financial reasons. Instead, he wants assurances about his future role in the side.
16th most-used player this season
Under Zinedine Zidane this season Isco is the squad’s 16th most-used player, having featured for 916 minutes. Of Real Madrid’s 26 fixtures in 2016-17 the former Málaga midfielder has featured in 17, starting 12 and only playing the full 90 minutes on two occasions, against Alavés and Betis. Last season Isco was the squad’s eighth most-used player, featuring for 2,627 minutes and he is concerned that he has lost some of his importance in Zidane’s designs.
Rotations and 2018 World Cup
The Real coach has not been able to call on his full complement of players throughout the first half of the season and Isco wants to wait and see what his role will be when Zidane has the choice of his entire squad. The Frenchman has rotated his squad so far in 2016-17 and Isco intends to see if that remains the case. The World Cup in Russia is also a consideration as the midfielder doesn’t want to lose his place in Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
Inter, Juventus, Milan, Spurs...
If he does consider a move, there will be no shortage of suitors. Juventus are keen admirers of the midfielder and both Milan clubs will also enter the arena if Isco rejects a new contract. Tottenham made a move in the last transfer window and there will be other Premier League clubs who would like to add him to their squads, such as Manchester City and Arsenal.
James question mark
Waiting until the summer will also allow Isco to see what movement there is among the current squad. The probable departure of James could be key to his decision: if the Colombian does move on Isco can expect greater relevance to the side and more playing time.