New Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wasted little time making himself known at the Bernabeu this Thursday after landing Malaga midfielder Isco on a five-year deal right from under the noses of fellow suitors Manchester City.
City were reported to be pursuing the 21-year-old but had stalled on a bid. While they dallied, Madrid swooped in with a £23m offer Malaga just couldn’t refuse.
Although the move severely damages competition in La Liga – Malaga are set to fall further away from the top two now they’ve lost such as influential player to their main rivals – Madrid have acquired a talent capable of aiding them to European as well as domestic glory. Fans who enjoy live football betting know that Isco proved his qualities in the Champions League last season and was certain to leave Malaga this summer, due to the club’s financial position. He scored three goals for Spain U21 during the recent Euro 2013 Championships to add to his 12 at club level last season.
The playmaker’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Madrid, for there are reports star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is to force a move away from the Bernabeu this summer. If Ronaldo were to leave then the bet365 latest football odds on Real winning the title would jump, regardless of a fresh face in the squad.
Isco’s arrival may convince Ronaldo to stay on for another season and that could make all the difference between success and failure in Ancelotti’s debut campaign. Liga fans can expect more arrivals to come as the summer progresses, for Madrid will look to rival Barcelona’s big spending on Neymar before the transfer window shuts.
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andym
Founder and chief editor of La Liga Blog, Andy fell in love with Spanish football after a university placement year in the Costa Del Sol. His favourite Tapas is Albondigas and on Saturday afternoons, Andy can regularly be found trying to emulate his hero Carles Puyol for his amateur football team.
[…] rumoured to be in for the Argentinian winger, but are unlikely to pay Real’s £60m valuation. Isco is another who has fallen out of favour, and Liverpool are one of the teams mentioned concerning a possible loan deal for the Spaniard. […]