Real Sociedad are coming off the back of their most successful period since the 1980s, qualifying for Europe for five years in a row, winning the Copa del Rey and making it back into the Champions League for the first time in a decade two years ago. Yet last year things came crashing back down to earth under Imanol Alguacil, the impetus for a changing of the guard at the Reale Arena.

The upshot is that the Txuri-Urdin, after finishing outside of the European places for the first time since 2019, are now facing a crucial season. Like playing baccarat online free, there is a certain aspect of speculating to accumulate, but also a risk of jeopardising the long-term health of the institution.

Should La Real miss out on Europe again this season, it could very much cement their place amongst the middle pack of La Liga, and while the lack of Europa League money can be dealt with for one season, missing out two years in a row places their budget into a different echelon too. Not to mention in terms of image – what was a blip, then becomes the reality.

Key departures at Real Sociedad

The spine of the team has also been significantly hollowed over the last two summers. Mikel Oyarzabal and Alex Remiro remain and represent two key leaders within the starting XI that have now been at the heart of their success for some time. However the exits of Robin Le Normand last summer and Mikel Merino were felt hard. This year Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal, following Alguacil and Sporting Director Roberto Olabe out the door, also gave credence to the idea that a new team was coming down the line.

Star signings not expected

Japanese star Takefusa Kubo is arguably the biggest brand name remaining at the club, and he has openly questioned the lack of signings this summer. Manager Sergio Francisco played down those comments, and noted that he was happy with what he had. A second successive loan signing to replace Le Normand (first Nayef Aguerd and then Duje Caleta-Car) and the addition of Goncalo Guedes have not quite sated the appetite for recruits in Gipuzkoa just yet.

Their success was built on an ability to add a touch of quality to a host of strong academy talent. The likes of Jon Gorrotxategi and Benat Turrientes are strong candidates to replace Zubimendi, but it is not a side that compares to rivals Villarreal, Real Betis or Athletic Club in terms of offensive firepower. Francisco’s ability to get the most out of his squad could be decisive to set the course for seasons to come.