Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has urged President Florentino Perez to sell playmaker Isco in the summer, according to several reports. The Spanish giants are enduring one of the most forgettable seasons in the La Liga. They have given up the hopes of retaining their La Liga crown, having fallen down to 4th, 17 points off league leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona.
Zinedine Zidane has come under a lot of scrutiny this season for failing to inspire his team and produce the kind of football that won him the league and Champions League last season. While Zidane has struggled with his tactics, the players are to be blamed as well, for their underwhelming performances this campaign.
While Ronaldo has also dished out inconsistent displays for the club in the current campaign, he is not believed to be a fan of Isco’s style of play. The Portuguese superstar, who scored twice in the 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of Champions League round of 16, wants his club to get rid of the playmaker, according to Diario Gol (h/t Express).
Just like Ronaldo, Isco has blown hot and cold this season and failed to influence the game on Wednesday against PSG in the Champions League. The report claims that Ronaldo has gone to a certain extent by requesting the board to sell the Spanish international at the end of the season.
Ronaldo is believed to have a big claim in Real’s transfer plans. If the 32-year-old wants, he could influence Real to sell Isco to his former club, Manchester United, who are willing to pay up to £135m for the playmaker in summer, according to the Guardian.
United have been longtime admirers of Isco, having attempted to lure the playmaker to Old Trafford in 2012 from Malaga. The 25-year-old has contributed 6 goals and 5 assists in 28 appearances in all competitions this campaign and would add a different dimension to United’s attack.
The Spaniard is capable of playing in the midfield or anywhere in the attack and should he join United in the summer, it would all depend on Jose Mourinho to get the best out of the player.
Isco is a special player and Mourinho could be keen on the playmaker, who is adept at unlocking tight defences. Now that Ronaldo has reportedly asked the Real board to sell his teammate Isco, if he could do a bit more and persuade them to sell him to United in summer, it would be of huge favour for Mourinho and co.
Isco would add a different dimension to United’s attack. That’s no good for Mourinho he only wants defenders and over 28’s at that.