The only thing we know for sure is that Isco is not staying with Malaga next season. Beyond that? It depends what paper and media outlet you follow, with some reporting he’s playing with Real Madrid, while others suggest Manchester City are his next team.
According to El Confidencial, the first to break the news about an official signing, the recently crowned U-21 European champion, will be playing for Manchester City next season, signed for €25 million. El Confidencial isn’t usually one to mention such news, and is considered a more reliable source for rumors and would-be transfers, which means it might be the real deal.
According to the news, Manchester City won the competition for the player due to being a place Isco thinks he’ll find it easier to star in, promised an important role with the team while meeting with Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, not to mention seeing Manuel Pellegrini sign with the team as well.
At Real Madrid, the competition with Mesut Ozil and Luka Modric is something Isco doesn’t want to see standing in his way, so his decision to join Manchester City is mostly based on his playing time.
However, the Marca, closer to Real Madrid, reports that the Spanish giants are trying to get in a meeting with Malaga in order to “hijack” Isco before Manchester City close their deal. It seems players like Alvaro Morata worked hard at trying to convince Isco to sign with Los Blancos, and the club are hoping that getting their offer accepted will give them another window to convince Isco to choose them over City.
Isco (his representatives) have already met with Real Madrid a few weeks ago, but it seems that they’re more impressed with whatever the Manchester City officials are offering, in more than just money, but in terms of his future role and the ambitions of the club. At Real Madrid, right now, the confusion regarding the future isn’t helping them at all in their chase after the best players available, already losing once in the chase for Neymar.