Real Madrid Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Set to Snub Liverpool for Sociedad
Real Madrid’s out-of-favour midfielder Asier Illarramendi is set to reject interest from Liverpool to return to former club Real Sociedad in this transfer window.
That’s according to Spanish news agency EFE (h/t Marca), which claimed a €17 million (£12.47 million) fee has been agreed to take Illarramendi back to the Anoeta. The piece suggested the 25-year-old will initially join the Basque outfit on a season-long loan before the fee will be paid at the end of the campaign to make the move permanent.
Illarramendi addressed the move before official confirmation was given, as reported by AS (translated via ESPN FC).
"Very happy. Of course, I wanted to return, I haven't yet spoken to my teammates, later I will speak with them," he said. "Real [Sociedad] has always been my first option and I was really wanting to return home, of course."
As reported by Simon Jones and Pete Jenson of MailOnline, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton were also in for the player. Milan have also made an inquiry about a potential move for Illarramendi, per GianlucaDiMarzio.com (translated by David Amoyal).
Here’s a reminder of what the Sociedad supporters will be hoping to see from the midfielder:
Illarramendi arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a huge reputation in 2013. His refined displays in the centre of midfield helped La Real secure a Champions League spot at the end of the 2012-13 term, and after being snapped up by Los Blancos, he was expected to be the long-term successor to Xabi Alonso at the heart of Madrid’s midfield.
But things haven’t worked out for Illarramendi, who has been pushed to the fringes of the squad and seemingly has no chance of making an impression under new boss Rafa Benitez. As such, a move away is the most logical option.
As we can see here, courtesy of WhoScored.com, even though chances were hard to come by, Illarramendi maintains quality on the ball:
The chance to join a side in the Premier League is something that may have appealed to the player, but a move back home to a team he knows well seems like an ideal step. Illarramendi will be adored after returning to the Anoeta. He will become a key member of this team, and, given time, he will reforge his reputation as one of Spain’s best midfielders.
Internazionale Move for Fabio Coentrao
Another player who may be on his way out of the Spanish capital this summer is Fabio Coentrao, and reports claim that Internazionale are ready to rival Paris Saint-Germain for the player’s signature.
That’s according to Steve Mitchell (translated by Amoyal), who noted that the player has made it clear he’s keen on playing in Serie A. PSG are also in the hunt, though, as they’ve been frustrated in their pursuit of Monaco starlet Layvin Kurzawa.
Here’s a look at what the Portuguese international could add to the Nerazzurri XI:
Coentrao has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid, and with Marcelo still thriving in the left-back slot, minutes are set to be at a premium going forward. As such, the chance to join a club as illustrious as PSG or Internazionale is something that’d appeal to the player.
The Portuguese would be a brilliant acquisition for either side. At his best, he provides an outlet on the left flank, a dangerous attacking threat and diligent defensive work. Coentrao is a popular figure at the Santiago Bernabeu and a versatile member of this squad. But as a 27-year-old, it’s vital he gets game time, and that doesn’t seem forthcoming in Madrid.
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