Real Sociedad Squad 2024/25

Real Sociedad squad for the 2024/25 season is one of the most historically significant in Spainish La Liga. The club has won a reputation for being very competitive both domestically and in European competitions. This season, the club is experiencing a period of growth and ambition, with a squad that blends experienced leaders and talented emerging players. Head coach Imanol Alguacil has worked hard to form a balanced and well-organized team, striving to take the club to new heights. Let’s take a deep dive into Real Sociedad’s squad for the 2024/25 season, breaking down the players.

Goalkeepers

Alex Remiro

Alex Remiro, born in 1995 in Spain, is one of the key figures for Real Sociedad between the posts. The goalkeeper stands at 1.98 meters, making him a commanding presence in goal. Remiro has played for La Real since 2019, after transferring from his boyhood club, Athletic Bilbao. His career at Bilbao had been spent largely in the youth ranks and as a backup, which led him to look for more first-team opportunities. Real Sociedad squad offered him that chance, and Remiro has since cemented himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

In terms of playing style, Remiro is known for his excellent shot-stopping ability, especially in one-on-one situations. He possesses strong reflexes and excels in saving low shots. Additionally, his aerial dominance makes him a formidable figure when dealing with crosses. He has also developed his footwork and passing range, making him comfortable with the ball at his feet, an essential trait in modern football.

Remiro’s contributions were vital to the team’s successful European campaigns and their competitiveness in La Liga. He has become one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Spain, with multiple clean sheets in each season. In terms of financials, Real Sociedad acquired Remiro for a modest fee, considering his potential and experience, estimated at around €6 million.

Mathew Ryan

Mathew Ryan, the Australian goalkeeper, joined Real Sociedad squad for the 2024/25 season after an impressive stint with various European clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Born in 1992 in Australia, Ryan has accumulated vast experience both at club and international levels. With his commanding stature and experience, he provides valuable depth to the squad as a backup to Remiro.

Before arriving in San Sebastián, Ryan had played in multiple top European leagues, including La Liga with Valencia, and the Premier League with Brighton, where he showcased his ability to perform under high pressure. Known for his leadership and calm demeanor on the pitch, Ryan is an experienced presence and a reliable second choice. His shot-stopping ability and positional sense are his standout qualities. Ryan was signed as a free agent, meaning there was no transfer fee involved, but his contract reflects the trust the club has in his experience.

Defenders

Igor Zubeldia

Igor Zubeldia is a versatile defender and midfielder for Real Sociedad roster, capable of playing both as a center-back and a defensive midfielder. A product of the club’s youth academy, Zubeldia has grown into a key player for La Real since his debut in 2016. His ability to adapt to multiple positions gives coach Alguacil tactical flexibility, making him an invaluable asset to the squad. Born in Spain in 1997, Zubeldia has represented his country at various youth levels, showcasing his potential on the international stage.

Standing at 1.83 meters, Zubeldia combines strength with an impressive reading of the game. He is excellent at breaking up opposition attacks, using his positioning and awareness to disrupt play. His passing range is also notable, often playing key balls to transition the team from defense to attack. Zubeldia’s leadership on the field also plays a crucial role in the defensive line’s stability. Real Sociedad lineup acquired him for €8 million in 2018, and his value has steadily increased as he developed into one of the club’s standout performers.

Robin Le Normand

Robin Le Normand is another pivotal figure in Real Sociedad’s defense. A French defender born in 1997, Le Normand has become a fan favorite due to his hard work and consistency since joining the club in 2017. Initially brought in from French club Concarneau, he had to prove himself in Spain, but after a few seasons, he established himself as a regular starter.

Le Normand’s reading of the game is second to none, and his anticipation allows him to make crucial interceptions and clearances. He is also a very composed passer from the back, capable of starting attacks with short and long-range passes. Standing at 1.84 meters, Le Normand is strong in aerial duels and often contributes to the attack with his heading ability during set pieces. He is also known for his leadership qualities, often organizing the defense and maintaining discipline. The transfer fee for Le Normand was approximately €3 million, a bargain considering his development into one of La Liga’s most solid center-backs.

Aihen Muñoz

Aihen Muñoz is a left-back who has come through the ranks at Real Sociedad, making his senior debut in 2017. Born in Spain in 1994, Muñoz has developed a reputation for his tireless work rate and defensive reliability. Though not as flashy as some of his counterparts, Muñoz’s role is integral to the team’s defensive setup, often providing balance on the left flank.

Muñoz’s defensive positioning is excellent, and he is particularly adept at tracking back to stop counter-attacks. He also contributes to the team’s offensive phase, regularly providing overlapping runs to support wingers and deliver crosses into the box. Standing at 1.75 meters, he may not be the tallest full-back, but he compensates for this with agility and a high footballing IQ. Real Sociedad squad secured Muñoz for a relatively modest fee of €1 million, and his steady performances have made him an essential squad player.

Andoni Gorosabel

Andoni Gorosabel is a right-back who, like many of his teammates, is a product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy. Born in Spain in 1997, Gorosabel has been a consistent presence in the team since his debut in 2016. As a right-back, his primary responsibility is to defend, but he has also proven to be a capable contributor to the attack, often getting forward to create opportunities.

Gorosabel is known for his excellent tackling and intercepting abilities, but his greatest strength lies in his crossing ability. His precise deliveries into the box have led to numerous assists, making him a crucial outlet in Real Sociedad’s build-up play. His defensive reliability and willingness to support the attack have made him a key figure in the team’s overall system. Gorosabel’s transfer fee was reported to be around €2.5 million, and his continued development has made him one of La Real’s most dependable full-backs.

Midfielders

Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi is one of the standout talents in Real Sociedad’s midfield and a player who has drawn attention from top European clubs. Born in Spain in 1999, Zubimendi is a product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy, and his rise through the ranks has been impressive. A defensive midfielder by trade, Zubimendi is known for his ability to break up opposition attacks and recycle possession efficiently.

Standing at 1.82 meters, Zubimendi combines excellent positional awareness with a tenacious playing style. He is particularly adept at intercepting passes and covering defensive spaces, making him a vital asset for his team in the middle of the park. His passing range and vision allow him to transition from defense to attack seamlessly, while his calmness on the ball and ability to control the tempo of the game make him one of the top young midfielders in La Liga. Real Sociedad squad managed to retain Zubimendi in 2024 despite significant interest from bigger clubs, with his market value estimated at around €30 million.

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino is one of the most experienced and influential midfielders at Real Sociedad. Born in Spain in 1996, Merino has established himself as a dynamic and all-rounded central midfielder, capable of both defensive and offensive duties. After a spell at Borussia Dortmund, Merino made his way back to La Liga, joining Real Sociedad players squad in 2018. His contributions have been vital to the club’s successes in both domestic and European competitions.

Merino’s game is characterized by his physicality, technical ability, and intelligence. He can control the flow of the game from the midfield, often making crucial passes and contributing defensively. His ability to break forward and score goals from midfield also adds an extra dimension to his play. At 1.88 meters, he uses his height and strength to dominate in duels and aerial battles. Real Sociedad paid around €12 million to sign Merino, and his value has steadily increased, with many considering him one of the best midfielders in La Liga.

Forwards

Alexander Sörloth

Alexander Sörloth is a Norwegian striker who has become an essential part of Real Sociedad’s attacking line. Born in 1996 in Norway, Sörloth has played for several top European clubs, including RB Leipzig and Crystal Palace, before arriving at Real Sociedad roster in 2022. His move to La Real came after a successful spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor, where he impressed with his goal-scoring form.

Standing at 1.95 meters, Sörloth is a physically imposing forward known for his aerial ability and strength in hold-up play. His speed and movement make him a constant threat on the counter-attack, and he has the ability to finish with both feet and his head. Sörloth’s work rate and ability to link up play are also key attributes that make him an asset to the team. Txuri-urdin squad paid around €20 million to acquire the Norwegian striker, and his performances have made him one of the club’s most important attacking players.

Takefusa Kubo

Takefusa Kubo, often referred to as “Japan’s Messi,” is an immensely talented winger who has continued to develop into one of La Liga’s brightest prospects. Born in 2001 in Japan, Kubo moved to Spain at a young age and joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before finding his way to Real Madrid, who loaned him to several clubs, including RCD Mallorca, Getafe, and Villarreal, before making his permanent move to Real Sociedad squad in 2022.

Kubo’s dribbling skills, creativity, and flair make him a joy to watch. He is capable of playing across the attacking midfield positions, but he excels when deployed as a right-winger, where his ability to cut inside and shoot with his left foot causes constant problems for defenders. At 1.73 meters, Kubo is quick and agile, able to maneuver in tight spaces with ease. His versatility, vision, and sharp footballing mind make him one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. Real Sociedad secured Kubo for €15 million in 2022, and his performances have only justified that investment.

The Real Sociedad squad for the 2024/25 season is a dynamic blend of youth and experience, with players capable of making a significant impact both domestically and in Europe. The club has built a team that is capable of challenging the established powers in La Liga while also developing a strong identity under coach Imanol Alguacil. With key players like Remiro, Zubeldia, Merino, Sörloth, and Kubo leading the way, Real Sociedad’s future looks bright as they continue their push for European glory and domestic success. The squad has been carefully built with talent, depth, and the potential for growth, making Real Sociedad a team to watch in the coming years.