Real Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola has agreed terms with Real Sociedad over a return to Anoeta, and is set to end his five-year spell in the Spanish capital.
The Spaniard moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from La Real for around £35m in 2018, but made just 49 appearances in that time, and also embarked on loan spells to Bayern Munich and Fiorentina.
He is now set to leave permanently and return to the club where he began his career. He needs Real Madrid to agree a deal to let him go, and this could even see Los Blancos terminate his contract.
A report from Relevo has claimed that there is full agreement between the player and Real Sociedad, and whilst Real Madrid are willing to let him go, it may require a contract termination to allow him to move for free.
Where did it go wrong for Odriozola?
The 27-year-old was highly rated when he moved to Real Madrid at a young age despite being fairly raw, having made just 57 appearances for Real Sociedad.
He originally arrived as a backup to Dani Carvajal, but injuries prevented him from hitting top form, and he barely featured in his loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Odriozola started playing regularly at Fiorentina, but could not convince Carlo Ancelotti that he could become a first-team member at Real Madrid, and an exit is now best for both player and club.
Given his £35m fee, his signing can ultimately be considered a failure, but he will hope to finally reach his best form back at Real Sociedad under manager Imanol Alguacil.
He is technically a Champions League winner, having made two appearances in Bayern’s winning campaign in 2020. Still, he has failed to play regular football in a very long time, and it remains to be seen whether he will fulfil the initial promise he showed five years ago.