Gibson has highlighted the risk involved in selling the pair, with the prospect of an incoming transfer embargo, but where could the players move to?
Sky Sports La Liga expert and former player Terry Gibson has suggested that selling both James Rodriguez and Isco would be a risky transfer strategy for Real Madrid, and something that they may live to regret.
Speaking on the Sky Sports La Liga podcast, he said “They [Real Madrid] might be banned for two windows, I am not sure they would run the risk of selling of them.”
He went on to add “It would be interesting to know the thought process of those two players. They were not selected again last night. However, From Zidane’s perspective, why would you want to sell? It’s tough to keep them motivated and happy, but at the same time you wouldn’t want to lose them particularly with this two-window ban. It would be a risk to sell either of them.”
James Rodriguez
If Madrid did decide to sell James or Isco, which Premier League clubs would potentially be interested?
Well, both players were brought to the club when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge at the Bernabeu, but both have found regular first team football hard to come by more recently. Despite this, both of the attacking midfielders have obvious quality that reportedly has made them a target for Premier League top clubs.
The Mirror report that Colombian James Rodriguez has piqued the interest of Liverpool, but the Reds face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea. However, all three clubs may be slightly put off by his supposed £51 million price tag.
Isco
Meanwhile, The Express claim that Spaniard Isco has already rejected the advances of Italian giants Juventus so far this transfer window, so a move to the English top flight could still be on the cards. How about a controversial join up with compatriot Pep Guardiola at City? Or perhaps a last minute bid from Manchester rivals United could come in.
With a potential 2 window-long transfer embargo coming the way of Real Madrid, they will most likely be wanting to keep hold of Isco and James, despite the lack of first team action that the pair have seen.
But neither player will want to play just a bit part role at the club, and so boss Zinedane Zidane may struggle to keep the players satisfied. One thing is for sure though, if either player wanted to make a move away from Real and head to the Premier League, there would be no shortage of takers for the playmakers.
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