Real Sociedad had a decent 2023-24 campaign as they finished sixth in the La Liga table. It is two places lower than what they did in the 2022-23 season but they also had to traverse through the UEFA Champions League this time around.
Sociedad started the season really well, with the likes of Takefusa Kubo garnering loads of attention for their excellent showings. However, they saw a dip in their performances after the UEFA Champions League began. They were placed with Inter Milan, Benfica, and Red Bull Salzburg and topped the group. They eventually lost against PSG in the Round of 16.
Real Sociedad were also eliminated from the Copa del Rey semi-final by Mallorca on penalties. While these were disappointments, managing to finish sixth in La Liga with these competitions as well would be considered a good season. They finished 16 points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid and 35 behind champions Real Madrid.
La Real will now look to build on this season as they compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. Given that they topped their Champions League group, they will hope for a deeper run in the Europa League and other domestic competitions.
In terms of transfers, they will look to bring in some good players this summer and hope they can retain some of their big names.
Transfer Strategy
Real Sociedad aren’t the biggest spenders historically and prefer to operate on smart deals in the market. They have done some excellent business in the recent past, signing the likes of Alvario Odriozola, Takefusa Kubo, and more. They also brought in the likes of Kieran Tierney on loan.
La Real will look to continue with their strategy of affordable signings as they hope to progress next season. They will, however, have to make decent additions to the squad if they are to compete in three competitions. Squad depth was partly responsible for their fall-off last season.
Areas of Improvement
Goalkeeping
Real Sociedad have Alex Remiro as their first-choice goalkeeper with Unai Marrero and Aitor Fraga in the wings. The goalkeeping situation appears well settled for now unless there is a surprise sale.
Defense
Real Sociedad conceded just 39 goals in La Liga this season, with only Real Madrid (26) and Athletic Club (37) conceding less among the Top 10 teams. However, one of their main defenders Robin Le Normand is set to join Atletico Madrid for €30 million. Hence, they need a big signing in defense to cover for his excellence and experience.
Kieran Tierney has also returned to Arsenal after his loan spell and a decision needs to be made about the left-back situation as well.
Midfield
In midfield, Imanol Alguacil’s side appear set to lose Mikel Merino amidst interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. Martin Zubimendi has also been on the radar of multiple clubs.
La Real will need to invest in capable replacements if they are to sell either one or both of these players. Merino and Zubimendi have been key for the club and it would be a big blow if they leave.
Attack
While they will look to invest in attack regardless of the situation Takefusa Kubo’s potential departure could make them look for more replacements. They scored 51 goals in La Liga last season, 10 fewer than fifth-placed Athletic Club.
While their defense was solid, a more potent attack could’ve seen them finish higher.
Top Targets
The first name Real Sociedad have been linked with Kieran Tierney, who they reportedly want to bring back after his loan spell last season. However, he suffered an injury at the UEFA Euro 2024 with Scotland. Given his injury history, La Real could look in another direction for a left-back.
They have also been linked with Manchester City’s Sergio Gomez, who has failed to make an impact for the English champions. In midfield, Real Sociedad have identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Carlos Soler. The Spaniard would also be open to a move back to Spain.
In attack, Imanol Alguacil’s side were linked with Tottenham Hotspur’s Bryan Gil in the past. They could renew their interest this summer, especially if Takefusa Kubo departs. Gil has barely featured for Spurs and is likely to leave.
Financial Capabilities
Real Sociedad spent just €21 million last summer, which in today’s market is a meager amount, especially considering they reached the UEFA Champions League. However, that is how the club operates as they look for smart deals rather than expensive ones.
They are expected to operate in a similar fashion this summer. However, this could change if they sell the likes of Mikel Merino as they would bring in a good fee. They have already gained €30 million from the sale of Robin le Normand. They would also need to be replaced with good players.
Regardless, don’t expect a bigger spend in terms of money from La Real this summer.
Also Read: LaLiga Transfer Window Predictions 2024: Big Players Who Could Move This Summer