Xabi Prieto believes that Real Madrid would have to pay Asier Illarramendi’s buyout clause if they want to sign him from Real Sociedad.
The Under-21 international is increasingly being linked with Los Blancos as their next target in this summer’s transfer window.
However, following on from La Real’s new Coach asserting his belief that the player will stay at Anoeta, the club’s captain has also indicated that the Basques will be unwilling to cooperate in a sale.
“Today I do not see Asier Illarramendi at Madrid, but not because he is not capable,” explained Prieto to reporters today.
“The club have made it clear that if someone wants a player, then they will have to pay the clause.
“At the moment, he is a Real Sociedad player, we are talking about a hypothetical case.
“Currently he is on holiday, disconnected from everything, so we do not know his intentions, whilst we will respect his decision.
“But if Real Madrid are determined to pay the buyout clause then it will be difficult to keep him.
“Asier is an important player on and off the pitch, a player that is important to the club.
“It would be a blow to lose him, but with him or without him, the team will remain strong.”
Illarramendi’s buyout clause is reportedly set at €30m.
