Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in talks with Real Sociedad over the sale of out-of-favour defender
Alvaro Odriozola was one of Real Sociedad’s most vital members before his move to Real Madrid in 2018. He made 35 appearances for the Basque side in the 2017-18 season of La Liga, providing four assists and creating five big chances in the process.
Following his €30 million move to Madrid, however, his career took a steep turn. He made 14 La Liga appearances for the club in 2018-19 but has seen his prominence fall with every passing season.
In the recently concluded campaign, Odriozola had barely any part to play under Carlo Ancelotti. With just 42 minutes under his belt in the league, he was one of the team’s least-used players and it is clear that he is not in the manager’s plan.
According to reports from AS, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad are in talks over Odriozola’s transfer. The move would see the defender return to San Sebastian in what would be a win-win situation for all parties involved.
The Italian tactician counts on Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez to continue carrying the torch at right-back for the coming campaign. Though Odriozola is younger than the existing options, he is not even considered an option by Ancelotti.
The 27-year-old’s contract with Real Madrid runs until next summer, after which he will be permitted to leave on a free transfer.
If a departure can be agreed upon in the coming days, however, the incoming funds will prove useful for Kylian Mbappe’s anticipated €200 million move.
Odriozola has agreed to leave with several offers coming his way. Moreover, a return home would appear the best option for the Spaniard given his lack of prominence at Real Madrid.
With all parties standing to gain from his move, rapid progress in discussions is expected in the coming week.
There just does not appear to be any respite from injuries for Real Madrid.
Just when it appeared that they were close to having their full squad – barring the two long-term absentees – the Merengues have been struck down by fresh injuries this week.
Arda Guler, who was on the cusp of being named in the squad for the Las Palmas clash, injured himself in training on Tuesday.
And now, during the game against Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid have lost key defender David Alaba to an injury.
Close to the 40th-minute mark, Alaba went down on the ground clutching his leg and appeared to be in quite a bit of discomfort.
Soon enough, the medical staff arrived to take a look at the Austrian and seconds later he was off the pitch and straight towards the tunnel.
Lucas Vazquez came on to replace the injured Alaba, with Nacho Fernandez moving into the centre-back position alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Alaba’s injury leaves Carlo Ancelotti with just two fit centre-backs in Rudiger and Nacho, which is set to be a matter of great concern.
The hope will be that Alaba’s condition is nothing serious and that he is able to mount a quick recovery.
