Spanish prodigy Alvaro Odriozola is reportedly inching closer to a move to Real Madrid, with Barcelona set to fail in his pursuit.
One of Spain’s brightest prospect, Alvaro Odriozola is on the radar of Europe’s major club, including arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, who have been going head-t0-head in pursuit of the 22-year-old Spanish international. According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon though, Los Blancos are set to win the race to sign him.
Odriozola, who has dominated the right flank for La Real since two years, now looks certain to join Los Blancos this summer. Subsequent to demonstrating fantastic exhibitions for the Basque club this season, it is suggested for that Florentino Perez is set to trigger the young defender’s release clause as reported by the Spanish journal.
Real Madrid have outpaced their rivals Barcelona, who were likewise interested in signing the player, after he was advertised by Gerard Pique to the Catalan club’s board.
The Blaugrana’s need to sign Odriozola has arisen due to Nelseon Semedo’s unremarkable season with them. The Portuguese’s shortcomings forced Ernesto Valverde to deploy versatile midfielder Sergi Roberto at the right side of the defense. With the Barcelona board looking for a proven, natural right-back in their squad to ensure stability, Odriozola has emerged as a viable target.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have been eyeing reinforcements for the right side of defence due to the fact that they don’t have any recognised backup beyond Dani Carvajal. The right-back slot is, thus, the only shallow one in a strong, deep squad. It has now emerged that Odriozola has already told Los Blancos that he would be willing to make the move to the Bernabeu.
Odriozola featured 35 times for Real Sociedad this season, in which he provided four assists to the club. His ability to play in advanced positions on the right flank might have also attracted both club’s interest to sign him.
The fate of Odriozola’s transfer to either of the clubs will be soon decided, but Real Madrid seem to be confident of signing the player in coming days. However, the youngster has said his sole focus is on planning for Spain’s World Cup warm-up match against Switzerland on Sunday.
“My future is the national team,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “I’m 22; it’s a dream for me to go to the World Cup. It’s a unique opportunity. My future is training tomorrow and the game on Sunday, nothing more.”
As far as his club future is concerned, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid indeed beat Barcelona to Odriozola’s signature. But, a €40 million move away from Real Sociedad appears destined to happen for the 22-year-old in the summer transfer window
