Barring an unexpected change of plans before the end of the summer transfer window, the Chelsea star won't be arriving at the Bernabéu.
As Julen Lopetegui shapes his Real Madrid squad for the coming season, one player in particular has been identified as a cornerstone of the project: Isco. Indeed, the new head coach's complete faith in the Andalusian has led Los Blancos to rule out moving for Chelsea and Belgium star Eden Hazard.
Real Madrid are Hazard admirers, but feel it's Isco time
Barring an unexpected change of plans between now and the end of the summer window, that is the LaLiga giants' decision. Signing Hazard would require a huge financial outlay for a position which the club feels is already well covered. Real are firm admirers of Hazard, but they have no intention of buying for buying's sake.
They also believe that the time has come to hand a more crucial role to Isco, a player in whom Lopetegui placed his absolute trust during his time as Spain boss, even in the midfielder's toughest moments at the Bernabéu. "In the national team I've got the coach's confidence, which maybe I haven't managed to earn at Madrid," he admitted after his hat-trick in La Roja's 6-1 win over Argentina in March.
What's more, Chelsea are not likely to let Hazard, their major star, leave without some persuasion. Given the figures being paid in today's market, Real are aware that they would have to part with around 200m euros to secure his services - and that they would only have until 9 August, when the Premier League transfer window closes, to get the deal done.
Asensio's first-team development also a factor
Marco Asensio's development is also an important factor in Real's stance. Last season, James Rodríguez was allowed to depart so that Asensio could get more game time, and Hazard's arrival would have a negative knock-on effect on the 22-year-old's first-team role - something that Los Blancos' decision-makers don't want to happen.
All of which means that Real Madrid are not considering attempting to bring in a 'galáctico' this summer. With Neymar and Kylian Mbappé staying at Paris Saint-Germain, Hazard was the only marquee signing that the European champions might have gone after, but such a move has been ruled out. Now the ball is in Isco's court. It's down to him to justify the club's faith...
Bcbarathan26
210
King of stamford bridge staying
RK326
148
I dont know what hell is real doing if you can not want any left winger atleast buy a good striker who can replace Benzama.
De_Dean
120
Madrid should not make this serious mistake.... Look at Isco un Spain bs Russia... He had more than 150 touches of the ball, yet Spain lack the required finishing....and with Benzema as our main striker... I am worried
Emkaul
107
Isco is a really fantastic player. I do not think Real Madrid really need to sign anyone else although Hazard would have been a great signing. Now is the time for Real Madrid to play as a team with no stand out star just like Bayern Munich. In my opinion, I Ronaldo would not me missed as much as we think if Madrid could get just one world class striker.
Temadis
96
Bale is not a mid-fielder, but instead should be playing a striker role. Real have all the team they need to win the Champions League again.
foscinsty
57
Real madrid this is the big mistake that you are going make and regret of it isco is no enough for real madrid to win trophy because he is Spanish player dat is why julen lopetuige is rule out of hazard transfer because of isco hhhh😆😆real madrid have no player than eden hazard the whole team and you not going win anything with Spanish player
bombknoty
52
but real Madrid should consider buying another 40m€ striker, a good winger that can be on the bench or making James Rodriguez return to be a serious title contenders in the UCL or the la liga
Rabakuyz
44
Why not get him? He is 10 times better than bale and benzema. You could fit all three of them, and make a dynamic front three. Maybe something like this, have hazard or isco play the false 9 position: Hazard - Isco - Asensio Kroos - Modric Casemiro Marcelo - Ramos - Varane - Carvajal Navas
Moimoiguy
37
Thank you coach we don’t really need hazard he is just going to take us back to square one. Give Isco a crucial role and think of how to bring James back next summer. The only thing Madrid should be worried about is who would replace modric when he retires( Erickson or maybe we keep kovacic). But now that we are not buying hazard I think that Madrid squad will need dept keep the likes of Vinicius,odegraad,lorente as occasional replacement. Please Madrid buy bentuncur of juventus. Hala Madrid 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾