Juventus: Signing Isco would require a huge system change

Juventus have been linked with Real Madrid attacking midfielder Isco, but it’s a difficult move to pull off.

Expect to see plenty of changes this summer in Turin. Juventus were already expected to be active buyers and sellers in the 2020 summer transfer window, but after the club decided to drop Maurizio Sarri for Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo, it’s becoming abundantly clear that an entire squad overhaul is coming.

Juve are, of course, being linked to big names, and one of the most interesting players connected to the club is Real Madrid’s Isco. The attacking midfielder remains an effective player and has long been admired by manager Zinedine Zidane, but with Martin Ødegaard set to return from loan and Dani Ceballos potentially in the same boat, Isco could be deemed surplus.

Per JuveFC.com, Corriere dello Sport is reporting that Pirlo could pursue signing Isco this summer. The Spanish international has a high salary, which is a problem familiar to Juventus, and would cost 60-70 million euros. And that’s a pretty bloated fee for a 28-year-old attacking midfielder who wasn’t a regular starter for Los Blancos.

Isco, though, might be worth the money. When he is regularly in the lineup and in his element, he’s honestly one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe. He made a huge difference for Los Blancos in the most recent Clásico, and he seems to always stand out in the biggest games. In the final match of the season at Butarque, Isco had both his team’s assists.

Juventus might need Isco to change things

But if Juventus make a 60 million euro investment in Isco, they would need to change their entire system. Now, that may be on the cards anyway with Pirlo in charge, and signing any key player requires a tweak in system. However, for a player like Isco to play at his best, the team will need to revolve around him creativity.

That’s not a bad thing at all. It might even be what Juventus need. But look at their current squad. If they want to play with a double-pivot, they simply don’t have the players to do it. Rodrigo Bentancur and who? Juve would have to buy someone else, which they may do anyway in Manuel Locatelli or the dream scenario Sandro Tonali.

It will cost more money, though, and it will be a risk to build a team after signing a 28-year-old player. But on the other side of it, Juventus need to win with Cristiano Ronaldo now. The 35-year-old’s window remains open, but he only has a couple of seasons left in Turin. Isco can help make the most of it, even if he comes at a steep price.

And note that the price is steep. Houssem Aouar is coming off a better season and is only 22 years old. The Juventini have seen first-hand what Aouar can do to a team, and he is one of the most highly-regarded young midfielders. His price tag is 70 million euros, and he is a dream signing for Juve in terms of fit and ability. So should the Bianconeri really spend as much on a player who is six years older and would require a system change?

They might be willing to do so if this is the direction they want to go, because Pirlo seems to be an even bigger fan of Isco than Zidane. And if they can reduce the price, it’s a deal that could very well happen. That said, there are real barriers to Isco signing, so don’t expect a move to take place. It’s just an idea for now.