Real Madrid outcast Isco has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Real Betis, who are ready to hand him a two-year contract in the summer.
According to a report from Spanish publication MARCA, Real Madrid playmaker Isco is attracting serious interest from La Liga rivals Real Betis as he closes in on the expiry of his contract this summer.
Isco arrived at Real Madrid from Malaga in 2013 as one of the finest young creative midfielders in the country at the time. The Spaniard soon became a key member of the setup at the Santiago Bernabeu, playing his part in the success that the club went on to achieve under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.
However, the playmaker has been out of favour at Real Madrid starting from Zidane’s second stint as manager, having struggled to feature prominently in the past three years or so. Things did not improve upon the return of Ancelotti last summer, with the 30-year-old playing just 15 times in all competitions so far this season, managing two goals.
Isco’s contract with Real Madrid runs out at the end of the season, and there is very little chance of him being offered an extension by the club. So, the Spanish international will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and several clubs from within Spain and outside are showing an interest.
Premier League club West Ham have been linked with a move for Isco, while there have also been reports that he already has an agreement in place with La Liga giants Sevilla over a summer move. And Real Betis have also emerged as a possible destination for the 30-year-old playmaker as he prepares for the next step in his career.
Real Betis recently won the Copa del Rey by beating Valencia on penalties and are pushing for a top-four finish this season as they currently sit fifth, four points behind Atletico Madrid in fourth. And manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen on strengthening his squad for the next season, with the team set to be involved in European football in some capacity.
The report claims that Pellegrini believes Isco can be an important part of his team and negotiations are already taking place between the Real Madrid star and Betis over a summer switch. Los Verdiblancos are prepared to offer the 30-year-old a two-year contract with significant wages that would make him one of the three highest-paid players in the squad at the Benito Villamarin.
It now remains to be seen if Isco is willing to accept Real Betis’ proposal or decides to link up with his former Spain and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui at Sevilla. What is clear is that the 30-year-old will be bidding goodbye to the Merengues in June.
