Real Madrid playmaker Isco has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham. The playmaker is reportedly unhappy with the lack of game time he has been receiving under the regime of Zinedine Zidane. Regarded as one of the talented players in the Madrid squad, Isco has largely been on the bench for the league matches. He has been getting more first-team action of late with starts against the likes of Real Betis and Alaves. Isco, in his last three games, scored two goals and created one for his teammates.
Now, the Spanish outlet Cadena SER are claiming that the player has agreed a contract with Madrid that will run until 2022. It comes as a major surprise considering that Isco seemed like the marquee signing Spurs needed to make a statement. Still only 24, the Spaniard joined Madrid three years ago and has already won the Champions League twice. He may not get the opportunity to win trophies at Tottenham straightaway, but the club are definitely on the up in many ways.
If Isco has agreed a contract with Madrid, he would follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vázquez. As the Spanish outfit are concerned about the possibility of a transfer embargo – similar to the one faced by Barcelona, Madrid are very keen on securing their existing squad to long term contracts. Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo are also thought to be extremely close to extending their deals.
It is also quite possible that the transfer rumours were generated by none other than Isco’s camp, as it is quite common amongst players to generate false transfer interest in order to get themselves a new contract. After making 53 appearances in each of his first two seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, Isco’s position came under threat only last season and he ended up making 43 appearances. He may have racked up nine appearances in all competitions so far, but an increasing number of them have been as a substitute.
Isco will be hoping that his latest goals against Real Betis will serve as a reminder of his quality. It is quite possible that he may cement his place in the first team if he continues on this form. However, a first-team spot at Real Madrid continues to be a highly political affair.
Former boss Fabio Capello recently claimed that striker Karim Benzema has been featuring in the first team only because he is a darling of the president, Florentino Perez. Despite performing well, Alvaro Morata has been unable to make enough appearances from the start. The 24-year-old was brought back from Juventus in a €30 million deal only in the summer.
