Barcelona 'reach agreement' for first transfer with rivals Real Madrid since 2007

Posted Wednesday, January 12, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Real Madrid midfielder Isco has reportedly reached an agreement to join bitter rivals Barcelona on a free transfer in the first direct deal between the Clasico rivals for 15 years

A direct transfer between Real Madrid and Barcelona could take place this summer a full 15 years after the last deal of the same kind between the bitter rivals.

Spain international Isco, who is out of contract in the summer having signed a five-year extension back in 2017, and is said to be in talks to move east to Catalonia.

The 29-year-old, who broke onto the scene with Malaga back in 2011, had played a reduced role across the past four seasons having been a key part of the side between 2013 and 2017.

Isco has picked up two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, and four Champions League medals during his time with Los Blancos, but could find a new challenge at the end of the campaign.

Barcelona 'reach agreement' for first transfer with rivals Real Madrid since 2007
Real Madrid midfielder Isco has reportedly reached an agreement to join rivals Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)

Spanish outlet El Chiringuito report that Isco has agreed to join Barcelona in principle despite their recent financial concerns, following the arrival of Ferran Torres.

Javier Saviola was the last player to make the switch back in 2007, joining Real from Barcelona.

Isco has scored one goal across 10 appearances so far this season under Carlo Ancelotti, playing six minutes across their last two La Liga outings after missing six in a row.

Former Everton and Chelsea boss Ancelotti has been asked about Isco's lack of opportunity on more than one occasion, and has always insisted that there isn't a personal issue.

Barcelona 'reach agreement' for first transfer with rivals Real Madrid since 2007
Spain international Isco is out of contract in the summer (Image: Getty Images)

Barcelona 'reach agreement' for first transfer with rivals Real Madrid since 2007
Isco could line up against Real Madrid for Barcelona next season (Image: Getty Images)

He said back in December: "It's a complicated issue, on a personal level, on a technical level.

"The player hasn't had the opportunity to show his ability because the team has been able to perform well without him.

"Everyone has been more affected: Isco, Nacho [Fernandez], [Fede] Valverde, [Eduardo] Camavinga, Marcelo. This good run has affected them in the sense that they haven't had game time, but on a professional level we haven't had any arguments."

"I didn't get angry with [Isco] as it has been said, they have accepted that the team has done well but they are training well and waiting for a chance."