Real Madrid News
Real Sociedad wish to sign €5 million-rated Real Madrid defender for free
Real Madrid bid an array of players farewell this summer as many players were seen hitting the exit door. Another one of the club’s out-of-favour defenders is now on their way out as Real Sociedad have shown an interest in acquiring Alvaro Odriozola’s signature.
However, according to Cadena SER (h/t Madrid Xtra), Sociedad would prefer not to pay a fee for Odriozola. The Basque side hope to secure the player’s arrival on a free transfer and do not want to burden themselves financially.
With Odriozola considered an outcast at Madrid as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti played him for just 93 minutes in the 2022/23 season, Sociedad believe he does not possess much market value and that the player’s insistence on joining his former club may help seal the move on their terms.
Given that the Spanish ace sits below players like Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, and even Nacho Fernandez in the Real Madrid hierarchy, Los Blancos have been eager to sell him, especially because his contract is set to expire in just one year.
Such desperation to get the Spaniard off the ranks is something Sociedad aim to profit off of.
In the event of a free transfer exit, a benefit for Real Madrid would be clearing Odriozola’s €7 million gross annual salary off the books, which would free up that amount of money and a roster slot for another player.
Getting rid of the player who is involved in Ancelotti’s plans and tactics makes complete sense for Real Madrid. However, the Merengues could fight to fetch something for their €5 million-rated defender, considering he still has a year left on his contract.
Real Madrid are back in action in La Liga tonight after the three-week international break as they take on Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having lost their previous game against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid will be eager to get back to winning ways, especially with Barcelona on track to secure three more points and extending their lead at the top.
Ahead of kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu later tonight, manager Jose Mourinho has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Villarreal.
The big headline is that captain Federico Valverde is fit enough to start in midfield after having successfully recovered from the Grade 3 ankle sprain he had sustained during the derby defeat three weeks ago.
The Uruguayan international partners with Aurelien Tchouameni in the middle of the park, while Jude Bellingham continues as the attacking midfielder for the hosts.
The other major news comes in the form of Jose Mourinho deciding to bench Vinicius Jr., with Yan Diomande starting on the left wing.
Arda Guler slots in on the right flank, while Kylian Mbappe, having recovered from the minor injury he sustained during the international break, spearheads the attack.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras get the nod as the two full-backs flanking the centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Antonio Rudiger. Thibaut Courtois guards the Real Madrid goal.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial! 🆚 @VillarrealCF 👉 @UnicajaBanco https://t.co/t37afOwsPA
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 10, 2026
