Barcelona are reportedly planning a shock move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco, and will reportedly step up their interest in long-term target and PSG defender Marquinhos
Barcelona to make surprise move for Isco
According to AS, Robert Fernandez, the technical secretary of Barcelona, has been told that Barcelona’s transfer policy needs to focus on more economic options rather than expensive players as Barcelona’s current financial situation is “not buoyant.”
They claim that the idea is to keep the team competitive while making cheap signings with even free transfers being mooted as possible solutions. As a result, they claim, Isco has been touted as a potential target for the summer.
Isco has only 18 months remaining on his contract and as a result Barcelona will feel that he might come at a relatively low cost when compared to his talent. The midfielder has not been a regular under Zinedine Zidane having only featured 15 times in the league this season – 6 of which came as a substitute.
Isco appears to have finally grown fed up with his lack of playing time at the Bernabeu and is reportedly looking to move in the summer. Reports emerged yesterday that the Spanish international had rejected a new contract with Real Madrid and that Manchester City were in the race to sign him.
City apparently have already had an agreement in place with Isco for a while now and to add to their chances, have offered Isco a generous bonus should he choose to move to the Etihad over any of the other suitors.
However, AS claim that Barcelona are now seriously interested in the midfielder. However, the report also states that Barcelona could choose to wait until January of next season, when Isco has only 6 months remaining on his contract, as it would enable them to legally talk to him over a free transfer.
This is not the first time that has been done between the two clubs, as Real Madrid did a similar thing when they infamously convinced Luis Figo to move to the Bernabeu from the Camp Nou. It is regarded as one of the most controversial transfers in history and while this won’t be as controversial, the news is sure to anger Real Madrid fans.
However, Isco himself may not choose to wait for so long and unless Barcelona attempt to sign him in the summer, he could decide to move to Manchester City ending their hopes once and for all. One thing seems very likely though, Isco will definitely consider moves away from the Bernabeu in the summer.
Barcelona to finally sign Marquinhos
Marquinhos is a player who has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time now. The PSG defender joined the French side in 2013 for a fee of £27 million from AS Roma and has gone on to become one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe.
The 22-year old was linked with moves to both Manchester United and Barcelona before joining the Parisians and Barcelona have been keeping an eye on him ever since then. PSG boss Unai Emery even confirmed earlier in the season that Barcelona had made an approach for Marquinhos in the summer.
However, Marquinhos himself decided to stay at PSG and fight for a place as he was grateful to the club for the opportunities provided to him. Barcelona will reportedly renew their interest this summer and attempt to sign him once more, according to AS.
The defender signed a contract extension with a club back in 2015 and his current contract runs until 2019 and although Barcelona are looking for economic options, AS claim that this will not deter them from trying to sign the Brazilian defender this summer.
They claim that Barcelona feel they can enter negotiations with him this summer without a problem as they have good relations with PSG and also feel that the fact that Neymar is at their club will be a boost in convincing Marquinhos to join the side, as he is “great friends” with the Brazilian superstar.
Barcelona need defensive reinforcements as Javier Mascherano is now 32, while Jeremy Mathieu only has 18 months remaining on his contract and at 33 is already on the fringes of the Barcelona team. The Frenchman has only managed 9 appearances for the Catalans this season.
Gerard Pique turned 30 two days ago and while he is still at his peak, Marquinhos would represent the perfect option to replace him. At 22, the Brazilian could form a solid partnership with Samuel Umtiti – who is 23 – for years to come.
Given Emery’s comments about Marquinhos himself deciding to reject a move in the summer, it appears PSG were willing to negotiate with the side. Should Barcelona renew their interest and Marquinhos change his mind, the move should take place quite quickly in the summer.