What’s the story?
Isco has been constantly linked with Barcelona since the turn of the new year and there have also been reports stating that the club have already made contact with the player over a possible switch to the Camp Nou.
But the Real Madrid man has come out and denied any links with their eternal rivals. Both Iniesta and Denis Suarez also suggested he join the Catalans but now it looks like Barcelona will be his last possible destination.
Speaking after Spain’s 4-1 win over Israel last night he said, “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.”
In case you didn’t know...
Despite earning his first ever call-up to the national side in 2013 Isco has only managed 18 caps for his country so far. His goal last night was only his 3rd overall in internationals but at 24 he will have plenty more opportunities to improve that count.
The heart of the matter
Andres Iniesta has been a picture of consistency for Barcelona for many years now but at 33 he is finally reaching the last leg of his footballing journey. Whenever he hasn’t played this season Barcelona have looked bereft of ideas in that midfield.
They have been looking for someone to replace him Isco is a player that most resembles Iniesta’s playing style. He also does not seem to be getting too many opportunities at Madrid which is why Barcelona are looking at his signature.
Isco is yet to sign a new contract with his current deal expiring in 2018. If they fail to tie him down this summer then they might face a lot of trouble when he becomes a free agent. Isco has reiterated his desire to stay at the club but will not hesitate to move this summer if Madrid fail to offer him a more prominent role in the first team.
What’s next?
Despite Barcelona being out of the picture, there are several other suitors waiting to pounce if the opportunity arises. It is looking more likelier by the day that either James Rodriguez or Isco will leave this transfer window.
Author’s take
It looked likelier every day that Isco would eventually move to Barcelona. But with the player himself denying it there seems to only a small chance of the move happening now.
