If reports are to be believed, Barcelona are set to make a sensational swoop for bitter rivals Real Madrid midfielder Isco.
The Spanish international’s contract is set to expire in 18 months and the Blaugrana have shown interest in signing him up on free. The timing of Isco’s contract expiry coincides perfectly with Andres Iniesta turning 34 and the current La Liga champions are looking to bring in Isco as the veteran’s long-term replacement.
Isco has had a stop-start career at Real Madrid after moving from Malaga as one of Europe’s most talented players. And he had been used sparingly at the beginning of the season by manager Zinedine Zidane until injuries to Toni Kroos and Casemiro have meant the 24-year old has featured more prominently. He has made 10 appearances so far for the Galacticos having scored twice and assisted two goals.
The news comes at a time when this season’s El Clasico is just a week away and we give you three reasons why this move will never materialise:
Ploy to get a better deal
It has become a trend nowadays that agents of footballers place a transfer rumour in the media to extract a better deal for their players. We saw it in the summer with Sergio Ramos using his links with Manchester United to get a mega deal from Madrid president Florentino Perez.
And with Isco’s contract set to expire in 2018, this could very well be a ploy by his representatives to get the best extension offer possible for their man as the news comes days after it was revealed that the two parties had begun contract negotiations.
Andre Gomes’ transfer will serve as a warning
In the summer transfer window, Barcelona beat Real Madrid to the signing of Andre Gomes from Valencia. He moved the Catalan side with expectations to be a regular starter but has featured sparingly.
He was touted to be the replacement for Andres Iniesta but hasn’t been given the opportunities to prove himself. And without the continuity and a longer run of games, players tend to struggle as has been the case for the talented Portuguese.
This should serve as a clear warning for Isco especially now that he seems to be finding his feet under Zidane at the home of the current European champions.
Transfers between the two sides bring controversies
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona are not limited to just on-field action. The two clubs have always been at loggerheads in the transfer market as well.
The most notable transfer being the one of Luis Figo who moved to the Spanish capital from the Catalan side back in 2000 after a successful 5 years in Catalonia. The move caused a lot of controversies with Barcelona fans throwing a pig’s head at the Portuguese star on his return to the Camp Nou.
It should also be noted that current Barcelona manager Luis Enrique joined the Blaugrana from Real Madrid in 1996, after which the Madrid fans branded him a traitor.
Javier Saviola was the last player to move between the two sides in 2007, making the switch to Madrid for free, but failed to hit the heights.
No player has crossed those lines since Saviola and with the rivalry between the two teams having gotten much fiercer over the years, it is difficult to see a player go through the move to the other side.
“I still have one-and-a-half years left on my current contract. But the club and I are both keen to renew. I hope we can sort something out. I am getting regular playing time now and I am happy to be able to help the team.” Said Isco
And with Isco himself expressing his keenness to stay at Madrid, it looks highly improbable that the Spaniard will move to Barcelona.