Former Real Madrid & Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi signs for FC Dallas | OneFootball

FC Dallas have signed midfielder Asier Illarramendi on a free transfer from La Liga side Real Sociedad.

Illarramendi has decided to swap sunny Spain for sunny Texas, and joins Dallas on a deal that runs through the 2023 season with an option for next year. The 33-year-old enjoyed a successful career in Spain in La Liga with giants Real Madrid and boyhood club Real Sociedad.

He scored 11 goals in over 250 appearances for Real Sociedad and helped his former club qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2013/14 season during the 2022/23 campaign.

Illarramendi moved to Madrid in 2013, but returned back to Real Sociedad after winning the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, making 90 appearances in total for Los Blancos.

"Asier is a high-quality midfielder who brings more than a decade of experience in LaLiga, including three years during a remarkable run at Real Madrid," Dallas technical director Andre Zanotta said.

"His leadership will be an asset to the entire organization," Zanotta added.

The Texan side, who are eight in the Western Conference with 30 points, will take on Inter Miami and Lionel Messi next in the round of 16 in the 2023 Leagues Cup on August 6 at Toyota Stadium.