Illarramendi nears Real Madrid exit

Spanish media outlet Marca is reporting that Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi will probably be leaving Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.

The former Real Sociedad footballer never quite managed to justify the €30 million price tag, having only been used sparingly since joining two years ago.

Club’s decision to recruit Lucas Silva in January hinted that Illarramendi’s long-term future is in doubt and the fact that coach Carlo Ancelotti played Sergio Ramos in midfield against Atletico Madrid rather than using the Basque footballer is enough to suggest a summer exit may be on the cards.

Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao have so far expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether he will stay in Spain or move abroad.

Illarramendi did make no fewer than 53 La Liga appearances since arriving from Real Sociedad, but he rarely featured in high profile matches under Carlo Ancelotti.