Real Sociedad Faces Financial Challenges with Underperforming Signings

Real Sociedad has invested nearly €100 million in footballers over recent transfer windows, yet many of these signings have not yielded significant sporting benefits during the 2025-26 season. The lack of on-field contributions can be attributed to various reasons, including injuries and limited opportunities under coaching staff. Consequently, the club must explore avenues to maximize the returns on these investments in the new year.

One notable example is Sadiq Umar, who was acquired for €20 million late in the summer transfer window of 2022. Unfortunately, due to a severe injury, coupled with limited utilization by coaches and disputes regarding his future, he has made minimal impact on the pitch. Speculation suggests he may leave the club in January or the summer, although it appears unlikely that a substantial portion of the investment will be recouped.

Similarly, Carlos Fernández, currently on loan to Mirandés, is unlikely to generate a return close to the €10 million paid for him nearly two years ago. Fernández has struggled with injuries, including the same issue that sidelined Sadiq, and has faced further muscular problems, leading to disappointing performances that have not aligned with expectations. With a contract extending to 2027, his future remains uncertain.

Arsen Zakharyan, signed for over €12 million in 2023, has yet to demonstrate the quality anticipated upon his arrival. Following a lackluster previous season, he has remained largely unnoticed on the field this year. Luka Sucic, who was acquired for approximately €12 million in 2024, showed promise initially but has since failed to stand out, prompting some calls for his departure due to both sporting and off-field issues. Both players are now under the scrutiny of Aperribay and Bretos, alongside coach Matarazzo, as they look to recover their investments.

In the same transfer window as Sucic, Orri Óskarsson was signed for around €20 million, while Javi López was brought in for €6.5 million. Óskarsson, who had shown potential in the previous season and pre-season, has been plagued by injuries. Meanwhile, López has been loaned out to Oviedo for the current season.

The most recent significant investment that has yielded little return is Yangel Herrera, acquired for approximately €12 million from Girona at the end of the last transfer window. He arrived with injuries and has faced additional muscular problems in San Sebastián, limiting his contributions to just 90 minutes over four months.

In summary, Real Sociedad’s expenditures on these players have reached nearly €100 million, leaving them far from recovering these investments, particularly in a sporting context. The club is hopeful that with the onset of 2026, these players will significantly improve and remain injury-free, allowing them to be available for coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, who is in urgent need of a boost to navigate out of the relegation zone.