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Isco Would Be Wise to Leave Real Madrid

By Rucker Haringey

Jul 26, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; Real Madrid forward Isco (23) works the ball on the sideline during the second half against the Inter Milan in the first round of the Guinness International Champions Cup at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; Real Madrid forward Isco (23) works the ball on the sideline during the second half against the Inter Milan in the first round of the Guinness International Champions Cup at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Why aren’t more people talking about the possibility of Isco Leaving Real Madrid in January?

Real Madrid transfer stories flood our news feeds and timelines this time of year. As of late, the majority of them discuss Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale heading to the Premier League. The smarter story would be to examine whether or not it’s time for Isco to leave Los Blancos.

Real Madrid is blessed with an abundance of talent in the attacking midfield with Ronaldo, Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco, among others. Isco is a world-class football player, but isn’t quite at the level of world-class superstar. He’s not quite as good as the other options at his club. It doesn’t make him a bad player, it just makes it difficult for him to find a consistent starting role on such a loaded squad. That’s a shame for such a talented player.

At a youthful 23-years old it’s time for Isco to make a big career decision. He can either stay at Real Madrid in hopes of sliding into Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot on the pitch once he ages out of contention or he can seek a move to another club. If he’s interested in fulfilling his vast potential he’d be wise to seek a move sooner rather than later.

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The trouble with trying to wait out Ronaldo at Real Madrid is that it operates on the assumption that Los Blancos won’t purchase another attacking midfielder once CR7’s game starts to fall off. Real Madrid have a history of purchasing high-end attacking talent even when they don’t need it. They purchase players because they want them. If they have an opportunity to sign a player they believe is superior to Isco they will do it in a heart beat. He’ll get no loyalty credit from the Spanish giants.

If he’s happy being a super sub and occasional starter at Real Madrid then so be it. However, I think he’s got too much talent to be satisfied with that sort of limited role. He could easily make a move to any number of high-profile clubs around the world and be thrust immediately into a very influential role.

This is why rumored interest from Premier League clubs, such as Manchester City, make so much sense. A really high level club could make a compelling offer for Isco and would stand a reasonable chance of turning his head. Real Madrid will fight the sale some, but ultimately they don’t need Isco. They’d be happy to accept a substantial, but not outrageous, fee.

As for the player, a top club could turn his head by showing him how they’d utilize him. If he truly believes in his own quality, which I think he does, he will be tempted by a side that wants to play him like a star. Imagine the influence he could have on the game for a side like Manchester City, Manchester United or Chelsea. He could easily go from Real Madrid afterthought to Premier League superstar with the right move.

There will always be interest for Isco from big clubs around the world, so his fate will always lie in his own hands. Hopefully soon he will make the wise, and more daring choice, to move to a club where his true talent can be showcased. He should be thankful for his time at Real Madrid, but he’s outgrown his role for the Spanish titans.

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