Hong Kong Premier League club Kitchee SC has made a significant acquisition, securing the signature of former Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Asier Illarramendi. The 35-year-old, who last played for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer, will wear the number 5 shirt for his new club. Kitchee confirmed the signing on Wednesday in a social media post.

Illarramendi's move to Asia marks a new chapter in a career that has seen him play at the highest levels of European football. He began his career with Real Sociedad, developing through their youth ranks and eventually becoming a key player for the first team. His performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him in 2013 for a reported fee of €32.2 million, the highest amount the club had ever paid for a Spanish player at the time.

During his two seasons with Real Madrid, Illarramendi made 90 appearances and won four trophies, including the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey in 2014. Although he wasn't always a starter, he played a role in Real Madrid's success, contributing 3 goals and 1 assist. In the Champions League-winning season of 2013/14, Illarramendi featured in almost every match, demonstrating his value to the squad. He did not come off the bench in the second leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich or the final against Atletico Madrid. Other titles he won with Real Madrid include the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

In 2015, Illarramendi returned to Real Sociedad for half the price that Real Madrid paid for him. He spent another seven and a half years with the club, making over 250 appearances and becoming a key figure in their midfield. He helped Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey in 2021. His time there was also marked by a broken fibula he sustained in August 2019 during a Basque derby match against Athletic Bilbao. The injury, along with subsequent complications, sidelined him for an extended period. In May 2023, Real Sociedad announced that Illarramendi would be leaving the club at the end of June.

Before joining Kitchee, Illarramendi had a stint with FC Dallas in MLS, signing with them in August 2023. He made 42 appearances for the club.

Kitchee's head coach, Íñigo Calderón, expressed his excitement about Illarramendi's arrival, praising his quality, experience, and leadership. He believes that Illarramendi's qualities will greatly benefit the team and that he is the right player for their system and style of play.

Illarramendi also has international experience, having represented Spain at various youth levels, including winning the 2013 UEFA European Championship with the under-21 side. He also earned three caps for the Spanish senior national team, scoring one goal.

With his wealth of experience and proven ability, Asier Illarramendi is expected to make a significant impact at Kitchee SC and in the Hong Kong Premier League.