Zidane addresses Isco Real Madrid exit rumours

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2021 22:07 BST
• 2 min read

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has rejected claims that Isco has asked to leave the club in the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly pushing for a switch away from the Bernabeu in the upcoming window. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Everton are presently being linked with him.

He has played only seven times in all competitions for Madrid this season, totalling only 285 minutes of action. This has led to reports that he has requested a move away from the club.

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When quizzed about Everton’s move for Isco, Carlo Ancelotti said rumours were “bullsh*t”.

Real Madrid boss Zidane has now denied the claims, too.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw in LaLiga with Villarreal, the coach said: “It’s not true that Isco asked me he wants leave. Anyway, what we talked about inside isn’t going to come out. Isco is a Real Madrid player right now.”

Despite a flat offensive display from Los Blancos, Isco was given 25 minutes at the end of the game to try to secure the win. He came on when they were leading 1-0 but was unable to help them see the game out.

The draw has only increased the pressure on Zidane’s side domestically. They lie fourth in the table immediately after their fixture, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad and two behind Villarreal.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, can move to the summit of the standings later on Saturday if they overcome Barcelona.

Real Madrid must shift their focus to the Champions League in midweek, with a trip to Inter. There is no European respite for Los Blancos, who are third in Group B after three matches, with just one win to their credit.

Meanwhile, with a tight wage budget, opportunities to strengthen their side in the January transfer window look limited.