Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi will not renew his contract and will depart the San Sebastian club at season’s end. He has already logged 251 official appearances in the blue and white jersey, cementing his status as a key figure in the squad.
In an official update, Real Sociedad confirmed that the current captain, who joined the club at the age of 11, will be moving on in the near future. The news marks the end of a long association between the midfielder and the Basque club, a relationship defined by loyalty and consistent contribution on the field.
Eskerrik Asko, Captain Illarramendi. The sentiment toward his departure was echoed by supporters and teammates alike as the farewell posts and tributes began to circulate following the announcement at the end of May 2023.
Illarramendi made his first-team debut in June 2010, under the guidance of coach Martin Lasarte, during Real Sociedad’s push to re-establish themselves in Spain after a challenging spell in the second tier. His rise coincided with a period of rebuilding that would eventually restore the club to continental competition.
Throughout his time with Real Sociedad, Illarramendi played a pivotal role as the club climbed back into the higher rungs of European football. His progression culminated in a high-profile transfer window where Real Madrid signed him for a fee reported to be in excess of €30 million, a move that underscored his perceived value on the European stage.
Pictures and memories from the club’s journey with Illarramendi adorn social media feeds and memories boards, reflecting his enduring connection with the team and its supporters. The midfielder’s tenure at the Bernabéu, while brief, added a chapter to a career defined by resilience and versatility in midfield roles.
Although not always in the spotlight, Illarramendi contributed significantly during his time in Madrid, featuring in numerous competitive fixtures and collecting honours that highlighted the club’s continental ambitions. His return to Real Sociedad later in his career reaffirmed his loyalty to the club that nurtured him, where he quickly reestablished himself as a central midfield presence.
Back at Real Sociedad, Illarramendi re-emerged as a crucial line of defense and transitions, partnering with other midfield talents to anchor the team’s play. Injuries did intermittently interrupt his progress, but his leadership and experience remained a steadying influence for teammates navigating the demands of a competitive season.
In a season defined by collective effort, Illarramendi’s influence persisted through moments that defined the club’s ambitions. He often carried the captaincy with composure, guiding younger players and contributing to the team’s tactical balance. Even when form was tested, his understanding of the club’s philosophy and his role in it never wavered.
As the club prepared for the next chapter, supporters reflected on Illarramendi’s journey from academy product to captain and senior midfielder. His leadership during challenging moments, and his ability to translate experience into on-pitch intelligence, left a lasting imprint on Real Sociedad’s identity. In the end, his decision to leave at season’s close was a reminder of the evolving nature of football careers and the bonds that endure beyond a player’s final game in the blue and white shirt. As the club moves forward, the legacy of Illarramendi’s time with Real Sociedad will continue to inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.