Wolves are considering a January swoop for Sevilla midfielder Isco, as newly-appointed manager Julen Lopetegui looks to make the most use of the upcoming transfer window.
The Wanderers went into the World Cup break bottom of the table, managing just two wins out of 15 games. They have appointed Julen Lopetegui as Bruno Lage’s successor to turn the club’s fortunes around and avoid relegation.
According to Spanish outlet TodoFichajes, Wolves are the latest club to join the transfer race for Isco, who also has admirers from Aston Villa, Napoli and Juventus.
Isco, 30, joined Sevilla on a free transfer in the summer following a trophy-laden nine-year spell with Real Madrid, but has failed to put in consistent displays. He has made 12 La Liga appearances so far, registering two assists.
Lopetegui used Isco regularly before being sacked by Sevilla in November. Now that the Spanish midfielder has fallen out with Sevilla director of football Monchi, Lopetegui is keen to get reunited with him at Wolves, the report adds.
Isco to Wolves—Right option?
Wolves’ present position at the foot of the Premier League table means they must spend well in the winter window and provide Julen Lopetegui with sufficient tools to avoid the club from getting relegated. Lopetegui, an experienced manager, is wary that his new club needs inspiration from not only him and his coaching staff but also in terms of fresh blood.
Being the lowest scorers in the division this season, it is no secret that the Spanish tactician wants to bring in a prolific goal-scorer as a priority. In addition to a new striker, Wolves could do well with a creative midfielder having seen the likes of Daniel Podence, Goncalo Guedes and Adama Traore fail to show up.
Isco, in that regard, could be perfect for Wolves. The Spanish international’s stock may have fallen in recent years but he still is a quality player, and on his day, a match-winner. The 30-year-old is predominantly a No.10 but is capable of playing out wide or in a deeper midfield role, and such versatility coupled with his passing ability, creativity, dribbling skills and experience, could make him a top addition to Wolves’ attacking ranks.
With Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes holding the midfield, Isco could potentially weave his magic from his preferred No.10 position and give Wolves the guile and creativity that they lacked to carve open opposition defences throughout the first half of the season. At 30, the ex-Real Madrid star still has a few years left at the highest level and he could improve Lopetegui’s side substantially.
As Isco has fallen out with Sevilla director of football Monchi and wants to leave the club only six months after arriving from Real Madrid, Wolves must quickly look to wrap up the deal and bring him to Molineux by the first week of January.