MY ACCOUNT
There promises to be a January transfer scramble for the services of Isco after the Spanish international unexpectedly became a free agent.
The former Real Madrid midfielder joined Sevilla in the summer but the move has not worked out for either party.
Sevilla and Isco reached an agreement to terminate his contract — just four months after a two-year deal was signed in August.
With the Spaniard now freely available, we take a look at just what has gone on and which club could land him.
What happened at Sevilla?
Over 10,000 Sevilla fans were there to see Isco’s presentation at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in August.
At the time the club were managed by Julen Lopetegui, who had worked with him during his time in charge of the Spanish national team and during a brief period at Real Madrid.
Unfortunately for Isco, his reunion with the coach was destined to be equally short-lived.
Lopetegui delivered three consecutive top-four finishes and won the Europa League during his time at Sevilla but his team got off to a poor start this season and he was sacked in October.
Jorge Sampaoli was installed as the club’s new manager. Though Isco continued to play regularly, his performances did not impress the Argentine and he was subbed at half-time in their final match before the break for the World Cup.
Thought not to be in the plans of Sampaoli for the second part of the season, Isco is said to have had a confrontation with sporting director Monchi earlier this month — leading to his contract termination.
Another Lopetegui reunion?
Lopetegui was soon back in work, with Wolves tempting him to the Premier League in November.
When news of Isco’s availability broke, the Midlands club were immediately linked with his signing.
On Wednesday night, Lopetegui took charge of his first game as Wolves manager, with his new team beating Gillingham 2-0 in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Wolves lined up with a 4-3-3 formation and if that is what the new manager plans to stick with, Isco could be used in a central midfield role or on the wing.
How much left?
In total, Isco made 19 appearances for Sevilla, scoring one goal and assisting three.
This followed his last of nine seasons at Real Madrid, where he was a bit-part player as Los Blancos won La Liga and the Champions League.
It has been some time since the playmaker was an important figure for his club side, though in his defence, he was mixing amongst some of the world’s very best players in Madrid.
Isco is still only 30 years old and with his dribbling abilities and eye for a pass, he will have no issues finding a new team.
Though he had persistent fitness issues during his last few years at Real Madrid, there were plenty of clubs looking to sign him when he left last summer.
His decision to join Sevilla for a much-reduced salary, was said to be based on his desire to stay in Spain.
Competition for Wolves
Sevilla could offer Isco involvement in the Champions League and a return to his native Andalusia.
With the move failing to work out, it’s now probable that he will leave Spain and secure himself a major contract for the final few years of his career.
Aside from Wolves, there is said to be plenty of other Premier League interest, with Arsenal, Everton and West Ham all linked.
The Gunners were in the running to sign Isco over the summer and he would be an interesting addition to their options, as they fight for the Premier League title.
There is also likely to be interest from Italy.
Juventus and Roma are reported to want to take Isco to Serie A, where the more sedate pace and technical style of play, could suit him more than a Premier League move.
