Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a €40 million move for Alvaro Odriozola, and are set to battle Barcelona in pursuit of the Real Sociedad defender.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Real Madrid are weighing up a move for Alvaro Odriozola in the winter transfer window, with Barcelona also targeting him. The Spanish defender has a €40 million release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad.
Odriozola joined Real Sociedad as an 11-year-old in 2006, and progressed through the ranks at the Basque club before finally breaking into the first-team setup earlier this year. Having received a lucky break in the senior side, the player seized his opportunity and has since cemented his place in the team.
Odriozola has played every single minute of football for Real Sociedad this season, with two assists to show for his efforts in nine outings thus far. His impressive performances for his club also earned the player his first Spain call-up, and he made an impressive debut last week against Albania.
Having enjoyed a stellar rise in the short span of nine months, the 21-year-old’s stock has skyrocketed, and he has been attracting interest from the royalty of Spanish football – Real Madrid and Barcelona.
AS: Madrid reignite interest in Sociedad’s 21-year old Odriozola (€40m buyout). Zidane pondered him as a Danilo replacement in the summer. pic.twitter.com/KjQ9ggWikn
— M•A•J (@UltraSuristic_) October 8, 2017
At Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal’s absence through pericarditis, which is reportedly set to keep him on the sidelines for two months, has left Zinedine Zidane short of cover at right-back. Nacho’s versatility does come handy, and academy youngster Achraf Hakimi is an option as well.
But, the Frenchman does not have a recognised right-back to call upon in the absence of Carvajal, which is why he has turned his attention towards Odriozola to bolster his options. But, Barcelona are in the market for the youngster as well due to a similar reason.
At Camp Nou, Nelson Semedo has made an impressive start to his career with the Blaugrana, taking no time to adapt to the challenges at the club. However, beyond the Portuguese defender, Ernesto Valverde has had to deploy Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal as the backup right-backs, with the duo more interested in playing in more advanced roles.
Therefore, Odriozola has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona to pursue. The player’s tendency to maraud down the right flank with superb efficiency is a quality that is sure to have enticed both clubs, who look towards their full-backs to provide support in attack.
However, Real Madrid and Barcelona will have to shell out €40 million to secure his services, and it also remains to be seen if Odriozola will be open to give up regular first-team football to share game time, since he is unlikely to be the firm first-choice at either club.
