Official: Real Madrid complete Alvaro Odriozola signing

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Alvaro Odriozola on a six-year deal, with the Spaniard snubbing Barcelona to join their bitter rivals.

Real Madrid have made an official statement to confirm the agreement to sign Alvaro Odriozola from Real Sociedad on a six-year deal. Los Blancos will formally complete the €40 million move of the Spain international, who was also being tailed by Barcelona, upon the conclusion of a medical.

Odriozola is one of the jewel’s of the latest generation of senior footballers in Spain, having set the stage alight ever since his senior debut for Real Sociedad last year. In 18 months in the first-team setup with La Real, the player constantly grew in stature while also breaking into the Spanish National Side.

His advent at the club and international levels saw Odriozola being widely regarded as one of the most promising young full-backs in the world. With the tag, also came attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both showing an interest in him.

At Real Madrid, Achraf Hakimi looks set to join Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan deal, which would leave Dani Carvajal as the only recognised senior right-back. Julen Lopetegui has thus, been eager to bolster his options, with Odriozola a player he knows well from his time as the Spain boss.

Barcelona, on the other hand, seem to still be in search of a top class right-back with Nelson Semedo failing to fill the void long left by the departure of Dani Alves. While it is believed that Semedo will be given one more season to prove his mettle, the versatile Sergi Roberto remains the only other option at Ernesto Valverde’s disposal.

Odriozola was, thus, a viable target for Barcelona, who have now missed out on the chance to sign him. Real Madrid have come to an agreement with Real Sociedad for the player’s transfer in a €40 million deal. The 22-year-old will sign a six-year-deal after completing his medical, with his unveiling following soon after.

With Spain exiting from the 2018 FIFA World Cup this week, the transfer should be formally completed swiftly. His arrival will continue Real Madrid’s recent pattern of forming a long-term core group of young Spaniards, with the likes of Jesus Vallejo, Marcos Llorente, Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio for company.

At 22, Odriozola’s best years are well ahead of him, and with a familiar face in Julen Lopetegui managing, a bright future potentially beckons for him in the years to come. As far as Barcelona are concerned, they will have to set their sights elsewhere in search of right-back reinforcements this summer.