Real Madrid’s young star Isco has stated that he was considering a move away from Spain, but has thanked the newly appointed boss Rafael Benitez to persuade him to stay at the club. On the other hand, Asier Illarramendi is all set to leave Madrid, and reports suggest that Liverpool have prepared a £15m bid for the defensive midfielder.
Former boss Carlo Ancelotti splashed a huge amount of money on the Spanish midfield duo, with Isco costing him £21.5m and Illarra a whopping £26m. But both the youngsters have not been the first choice for Ancelotti since coming to Madrid in 2013. But according to recent reports, the future of both these players lies on a separate path.
Isco’s future was one of the main talking points last season because of the lack of opportunities for him in the first team for Madrid. He had to be reinstated in the squad this season, as Modric and James both suffered from long term injuries, and he didn’t disappoint. But he was benched again after both the players returned to the team. As a result, there was much speculation surrounding the 23-year old midfielder’s future at the Spanish club.
But all these rumours were dismissed by Isco, who has scored 17 and assisted 23 goals in his 106 appearances for the Blancos, and he is looking forward to perform well for Madrid in the 2015/16 season. And all of the credit has been given to Rafael Benitez as reports claim that he was the one who persuaded Isco to stay at the club by telling him that he is important to the plans of the newly appointed boss next season.
On the other hand, Illarramendi is frustrated at his lack of opportunities at Real Madrid, and wants to leave the club. It won’t get easier for Illarra to find a place in Madrid squad as the Blancos are expected to sign another midfielder this summer. Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of the situation, as they chase the 25-year old midfielder’s signature, but Madrid will not let go of the player without receiving a good sum. Liverpool are expected to make an offer in the range of £15m to sign the Madrid midfielder, as they are in search of a defensive midfielder who can guard their back line, after the departure of Steven Gerrard.
Isco was very impressive last season and was one of the stars for Madrid in their 3-1 Clasico win against arch rivals Barcelona at the Bernebeu last year. And the Madrid fans would be happy to see Isco pledge his loyalty to Madrid. On the other hand, Illarramendi has already been labelled as one of the worst signings ever in Madrid’s history, and it is not a surprise that he wants to leave the club. If Liverpool complete Illarra’s signing, it will be a good move for them as the youngster has shown that he has a lot of potential when he played for Real Sociedad two seasons ago when they finished in the Champions League places in the 2012/13 season.
