The newest incidents surrounding Isco, including not featuring in Madrid’s latest game, mean Isco’s future is likely away from the Spanish capital.
Things seem to be going from bad to worse for Isco Alarcon. After being whistled at the Santiago Bernabeu in the club’s midweek Champions League game against CSKA Moscow, his time as a Real Madrid player may be up.
This is not the firs time Isco has been linked with a move away. It isn’t even the first time this season that those rumors have arisen. But this time it feels different. I
Isco started in what turned out to be Real Madrid’s worst Champions League defeat against CSKA Moscow losing 3-0. During the course of the game, try as he might, Isco could not get anything going. His struggles did not go unnoticed by the Madrid faithful. After failing to finish or make contact with a cross, the fans at the stadium began whistling Isco.
Upon hearing the jeers, he raised his arms and asked, “What more do you want?”
As if that wasn’t enough, in the same game, Isco refused to wear the captain’s armband when Marcelo was taken off.
Marcelo said, “I tried to give the armband to Isco. But he told me that I had to give it to Carvajal. I don’t know what the reason for that was.”
Both Marcelo and manager, Santiago Solari, tried to downplay the alleged gesture done by Isco. Solari claimed that he thought Isco was gesturing to the corner flag and tried not to place too much importance to it.
In Madrid’s 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, the player did not see any action. That’s nothing new as he hasn’t been used that often by Solari. The difference this time is that he wasn’t even considered as a potential substitute to replace a player as he never got up to warm-up. Even with no Gareth Bale and Asensio continuing to struggle, Solari did not contemplate putting him into the game.
In addition to this past week, there have been questions regarding his weight and the relationship with his manager. Directing a frustrated gesture towards the fans isn’t going to help the situation and Madrid are already dealing with enough problems.
Any potential transfer is immediately discarded because of his steep release clause. Even if Madrid were willing to negotiate with any potential suitors, the club themselves need to be sure they’re willing to enter the marker for a replacement. Real Madrid are short on experienced players and he is one of the few that they have.
These are obstacles that both he and the club face that make any move during the winter transfer window unlikely. If and when a move happens, it will most likely be during the summer. One thing is certain though, it will be a shock if Isco is applying his trade at Real Madrid next season.