MADRID, July 12 — Real Madrid today announced the signing of young Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi on a six-year deal after the Spanish giants met his release clause of €38.9 million (161.05 million).

“Real Madrid have signed Asier Illarramendi, who will be linked to the club for the next six seasons,” a club statement read.

In the northern Basque city of San Sebastian, Sociedad chairman Jokin Aperribay revealed Real had met the release clause figure.

“It was not an easy decision” to let their 20-year-old star—a member of the Under-21 Spain side which has just lifted the European Championships—leave, said Aperribay.

But he conceded the move gave him “a unique opportunity” to stake his claim to a starting berth and stardom at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. – AFP