Asier Illarramendi has left Real Madrid to complete his return to La Liga rivals and boyhood club Real Sociedad. Illarramendi, 25, signed for Los Blancos from Sociedad in 2013 but his future at the club under new coach Rafa Benitez has been the subject of conjecture.

The midfielder, who made 30 league appearances last season, has now sealed a transfer back to San Sebiastian after passing a medical and agreeing a six-year contract with the club. AS reports the fee is in the region of €17 million, plus add-ons, and Illarramendi will presented to the fans 19:00 local time.

Illarramendi said earlier 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.”