Manchester City are reportedly pursuing a sensational move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco after targeting him for months
According to a report by Don Balon, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola remains keen on a move to sign Isco this summer and is believed to have made a move for the same. Former City manager Manuel Pellegrini was close to signing a deal with the Spanish international back in 2013 – but missed out to Real Madrid.
Isco initially struggled at Real Madrid but towards the second half of last season, he shot to the limelight once Zinedine Zidane deployed him more frequently due to Gareth Bale’s several injuries. Isco started playing more often and he put up pretty impressive performances, which made him a constant in the Real side.
Having said that, Isco did not start in as many games. For a player who is close to his peak, starting in merely 21 games sounds like an underwhelming figure. However, his returns have been decent enough as he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the La Liga last season.
While things may seem like they have taken a turn for the better, Isco’s spot in the squad will be in danger once Gareth Bale recovers and is back to his form. Hence, the player is believed to be seeking an exit this summer with Manchester City keeping a close eye on him.
Guardiola is already over-loaded with midfield options, with Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure all vying for places. But with Toure out of contract at the end of the season and Silva aged 30, Guardiola may look to inject more youth into his side.
In fact, Isco’s versatility will make him an ideal option to slot into different roles Guardiola might have in mind for him. He can play in a deeper box-to-box role as well as in an attacking midfield role behind the central striker.
The Spaniard is very clever in his movement and his creative instincts can greatly benefit players like Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and David Silva. Getting more opportunities with the Spanish champions might be an ordeal once Bale is fit, making City a viable option for Isco.
The 2018 World Cup is coming up as well, which will make Isco keen to join a club wherein he can feature in first-team plans regularly, so he can seal a spot for himself in Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
