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Deal done: Blow for Liverpool After Targer Snubs The Reds for a Spanish Side

It is official now. Midfielder Asier Illarramendi has left former European champions Real Madrid and completed his return to their La Liga rivals and his boyhood club Real Sociedad. The 25-year-old superstar, who moved to the Bernabeu in 2013 was surplus to the requirements of the club, under new manager Rafa Benitez and decided to part ways with Los Blancos.

Asier Illarramendi
Asier Illarramendi

Further, the defensive midfielder made just 30 league appearances last season and completed his return to back to San Sebastian after passing a medical examination. The Spanish U-23 international was wanted by Premier League clubs Liverpool and Southampton and has now agreed a six-year contract with the club.

Further, AS reported that a fee of about €17 m, plus add-ons has been agreed to, as the Reds lose out on their midfield target. Illarramendi had previously said on Wednesday, “Very happy. Of course, I wanted to return, I haven’t yet spoken to my teammates, later I will speak with them. Real [Sociedad] has always been my first option and I was really wanting to return home, of course.”

Manager Brendan Rodgers was keen on further reinforcing his squad, but will now have to look elsewhere, as he looks to win silverware this season.