Odriozola decides to stay at Real Madrid
Diario AS understands that the Basque full-back has received offers to go out on loan from Athletic, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
Álvaro Odriozola won't be leaving Real Madrid during the winter transfer window. Despite being completely frozen out by Zidane (the coach has not handed him a single minute of playing time since September), the Basque defender refuses to throw in the towel and has decided to stay at least until the end of the season in a bid to turn his situation around. Odriozola is under contract with Madrid until June 2024. Diario AS understands that the defender has received a number of offers to spend the rest of the campaign out on loan. Marcelino was interested in the player's situation when he took the Athletic job; AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund were also keen but the 25-year-old has talked it through with his agents and informed the club that his intention is to continue training with the squad in Valdebebas for the remainder of the season. Maybe Zidane might decide to hand him playing time in the Copa del Rey...
Chance for Odriozola in the Copa del Rey
Odriozola joined Madrid from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2018 for 30 million euros (his current market value has dropped to just 10 million according to Transfermarkt). Julen Lopetegui included him in his Spain squad for the World Cup in Russia and during his first season with Madrid, he was the natural substitute for Dani Carvajal. But last season, Zizou lost faith in him. Odriozola was subsequently loaned out to Bayern Munich, but he hardly played in Germany. This season, he has totalled barely an hour of playing time - he started the league match against Real Valladolid on 30 September but was taken off at the start of the second half. A few days later he suffered an injury which kept him out for two months. He has been fit and available to play since December but Zidane hasn't given him an opportunity. Lucas Vázquez and Nacho have filled in at right-back in Caraval's absence. Odriozola is hoping to be in the starting XI for Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Alcoyano. It will be a chance for him to show his worth and redeem himself to Zidane. A decent Cup run could give Odriozola the playing time and the confidence he needs…