Will Malaga Cash In On Isco?

Malaga is going through a difficult time as a football club. Bought by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani in 2010. Much in the vein of Manchester City and Paris Saint-German, Malaga now had the cash to really improve their squad. The results were immediate. During the 2011-2012 season Malaga qualified for European football for the first time in the club’s history.

Then something strange happened. Described by CNN.com as a “riches to rag” situation, Malaga suddenly stopped spending money. Not only did they stop spending money, they didn’t pay the bills and ended up mired in debt. Key players Santi Cazorla, Jose Rondon, and Joris Mathijsen all have left, leaving the Malaga core gutted. Surprisingly, the club has succeeded this season. Malaga has advanced to the quarterfinals in the Champions League and is still in fifth in La Liga.

Much of this success goes toward Spanish attacking midfielder Isco. A creative midfielder, who is a natural playmaker a la David Silva, Isco looks headed for extreme success. He received his first call up for Spain in February and figures to be an important part of the 2014 World Cup squad. Did I mention he is only 20? With Isco’s profile rising, Malaga must now choose whether to keep the youngster or cash in on the sizable fee they are likely to get for him.

Isco is the kind of player you build around for the foreseeable future, but can provide quality immediately. Think Eden Hazard for Chelsea. Isco is destined to move on to a bigger club at some point in his career. He is improving and who knows, maybe his price tag will be even higher in a couple years. Also, Malaga is a good side. If they add a couple players (hard to do with their current financial situation), Malaga could become a fixture in Europe football. Something the club hasn’t been able to do in their entire history. The allure of possibly playing this level of football may lead the club to hold on to their starlet.

Keeping Isco or shipping him out is clearly a tough decision for Malaga. The club wants to compete and improve, but are in dire financial straits. Isco is not short of suitors, as Manchester City and Chelsea are interested. He promises to cost a hefty sum. I think in the end Malaga will cash in on the young Spaniard. The club is just not doing well enough financial to not take that money. Professional football is a business at the end of the day and Malaga right now is “bad” business. Expect Isco to be in a different shirt next season and Malaga fans to be crushed by his departure.