Real Sociedad considers January market after Barrenetxea injury

Real Sociedad faces a decision on January transfers after Ander Barrenetxea's season-ending injury, with precedent from previous winter windows.

Real Sociedad must decide whether to enter the January transfer market following the confirmation that Ander Barrenetxea will miss most of the season with injury. The winger is a key player for the Basque club, and his absence significantly weakens their attacking options despite having alternatives like Guedes, Ochieng, Marín, Kubo and Marchal available.

The club faces a demanding campaign across four competitions: La Liga (currently fifth, targeting Champions League qualification), Europa League, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España in February. This increased fixture load makes reinforcement a realistic option.

Real Sociedad has a recent history of winter market activity. Last January they signed Wesley Ribeiro on loan from Al-Nassr, though the Brazilian made only five appearances and failed to score.

More successful were their January windows in 2024, when they signed Sheraldo Becker from Union Berlin for €3 million (18 appearances, 3 goals) and Javi Galán on loan from Atlético Madrid (18 appearances in his only half-season).