Real Madrid star Isco to make Sevilla transfer

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 8 Aug 2022 15:28 BST
• 11 min read

Sevilla have announced that they are close to completing a transfer for Real Madrid star Isco, with a deal in principle agreed with Spain international midfielder.

Isco had been out of contract with Real Madrid since 30 June and he will now join up with the La Liga outfit for the next two seasons.

There had been misgivings on the part of Sevilla over the signing of the 30-year-old, but the fact that he arrives on a free transfer and that he has lowered his wage demands since negotiations began have helped to smooth through a deal.

Isco departs Real Madrid as one of their iconic players over the last decade. He arrived at the club from Malaga in 2013 for around €30 million and went on to play 353 times and score 53 goals.

During Carlo Ancelotti's reign, he became notably more peripheral. Indeed, he featured in only 14 La Liga matches last season and failed to play at all during Real Madrid's stunning run to a 14th Champions League title. The 17 games in total he mustered are the fewest he has managed in his professional career.

Isco v La Liga midfielders: 2021/22

Despite his scant use, when he took to the field, he was an impressive performer, albeit from a small sample size.

Sevilla transfer news

Sevilla have been busy in the transfer market this summer, notably being at the heart of the saga that saw Jules Kounde eventually turn down the opportunity to go to Chelsea and instead move to Barcelona.

Since that deal took place, they have moved to sign Marcao from Galatasaray to replace Kounde at centre-back, while Manchester United full-back Alex Telles has arrived on a loan deal from the Old Trafford club.

Isco is set to represent their third new signing of the summer, with the Spaniard their most notable piece of business to date.