Isco, open to offers and ready to leave Real Madrid
The midfielder hasn't changed his mind about leaving Madrid although it looks like his exit will have to wait - there are just four days of the transfer window left.
“We don't know what might happen”. That was the response from Isco's entourage when it was suggested that the player might leave Real Madrid during the January transfer window. “It's looking very difficult,” the player's representatives concluded, although there is still time for him to move elsewhere. From that, we can deduce that Isco is leaving the door open to a possible move to another club even while there are just four days left until the winter window closes at midnight on Monday 1 February. It also shows that Isco is actively hoping to change his situation, in which he has been frozen out by Zidane at Real Madrid.
After allowing Martin Ødegaard to join Arsenal on loan last week, Real Madrid have been left short on resources in midfield. Casemiro has no natural substitute and while Fede Valverde has filled in when the Brazilian hasn't been available, he is more comfortable playing out wide… That leaves just three others - Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco; Isco is the only member of the squad who can cover for Kroos and Modric (let's not forget that the Croatian is now 35...). For that reason, it is practically impossible that Madrid would accept a late offer for the Spaniard - even if the player is keen to leave.
Isco, Jovic and Odegaard request to leave
Isco was the first player in the current Madrid squad who publicly stated his intentions to move on. He was followed by Luka Jovic and Martin Ødegaard. The problem in his case however, is that if Madrid do release him, it would be as a direct transfer and not a loan; that however, would be a costly operation during the winter window, viewing the current economic situation and how the market is looking. Madrid hope to rake in around 40 million euros for Isco.
But Isco has a reason why he might think again about trying to win back his place at Real Madrid. It would be a chance for him to secure his place in the Spain side ahead of this year's Euros - a tournament he wouldn't want to miss. At 28, he is still one of the principal midfielders in Spanish football. He is under contract with Madrid until June 2022 but he will leave before completing it - most probably to Sevilla. But even if he doesn't leave, he still has time to make a contribution to the team this season.
Isco was in the starting XI in the team's last four victories in the Champions League. He has always found the form needed to play a decisive role for Madrid when needed, and he still could between now and the end of May. He feels he still is one of the key players at Madrid, however much playing time he has been given. Since joining in 2013, he has made 321 appearances and scored 51 goals for the club… He is also on 38 caps and 12 goals for Spain. Isco still has plenty to give…