Marcel Brands must answer Carlo Ancelotti’s call amid reports the Italian wishes to see Everton sign Real Madrid’s “magnificent” midfield maestro Isco.
What’s the word?
According to OK Diario, Ancelotti is pressuring the Everton hierarchy to open negotiations with Real Madrid over a potential deal to lure Isco to Goodison Park in the January window.
The Italian coach believes the winter market offers the perfect opportunity for the Toffees to raid his former stomping ground and sign a player he knows well, having seen Isco as an important aspect of his Los Blancos side after joining in the same window as the Spaniard.
Isco’s significance to the Galacticos has wavered drastically in the years to pass since Ancelotti’s departure, with current head coach Zinedine Zidane increasingly reluctant to call on the 28-year-old who has also now lost the support of the Real dressing room.
Zidane’s unwillingness to field Isco has resulted in the £27million-rated maestro starting just three La Liga fixtures this term and being left an unused substitute in each of Madrid’s Champions League Group Stage ties.
Isco is happy in Madrid, but open to a move away, with Galacticos chiefs discontent with the level of the Andalusian’s recent performances, at a time when any offer will be considered given the difficult times caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Reports have suggested Isco also wishes to reunite with Ancelotti and James Rodriguez at Goodison Park after Madrid decided they will listen to mid-season loan approaches, which must feature an obligation to buy in the summer worth £18million plus add-ons.
Isco has always been reluctant to leave Madrid on loan, but the option will be explored as Real could accept offers where the Spaniard’s temporary side cover his £123,000-per-week wage in full.
A “magnificent” maestro
While Isco’s career has taken a dip in the years to have followed Ancelotti’s exit from Madrid, the Spaniard remains a player thought of fondly in parts having dazzled during the Italian’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Together, Isco and Ancelotti helped clinched the Galacticos a record 10th Champions League trophy in 2014, with Isco offering three goals and two assists throughout the tournament that helped to a combined involvement in 20 goals (11 scored, nine assisted) across all competitions that season.
Isco’s second season under Ancelotti’s tutelage again saw the 38-cap midfielder provide a hand in 19 goals (six scored, 13 assisted), and former England international Danny Mills believes that talent is still there for the right manager to unlock.
“Isco is a magnificent player,” he told Football Insider. “It’s a bit like Gareth Bale, how can you not use players of their ability? It doesn’t matter if your Real Madrid or Barcelona or whoever.
“Isco is an outstanding talent and he’s not young anymore. He’s an experienced player and very talented. If anyone can pull that off, certainly Carlo Ancelotti can.”
It remains to be seen if Everton do move to sign Isco in January, but the early indications point very firmly to the Toffees landing another of Ancelotti’s former stars with the Italian and Spaniard both appearing keen on a reunion.
AND in other news, Marcel Brands holds a key advantage in Everton’s hunt for Carlo Ancelotti’s £13m target.