Matarazzo seeks winger to replace injured Barrenetxea

Matarazzo must find a replacement for injured Barrenetxea; options include Kubo, Ochieng, Oyarzabal and academy prospects, with a winter transfer also possible.

Real Sociedad face a significant challenge following Óscar Barrenetxea's serious injury. Manager Imanol Matarazzo and sporting director Mikel Bretos must identify how to fill the void left by the winger, who has been a key player in the club's five-at-the-back system.

The club will first look internally at available options. Takefusa Kubo, currently underperforming and often on the bench, could reclaim prominence with increased minutes. Job Ochieng has already featured regularly and may now become a more central piece.

Oyarzabal, typically a forward, could shift to the wing, while Pablo Marín offers a tactical alternative. Luka Sucic, though not a natural winger, has operated in that area and could enable Matarazzo to deploy his preferred attacking trio of Óskarsson, Oyarzabal and the Croatian midfielder.

Real Sociedad's academy at Zubieta has historically provided solutions—Griezmann, Zubimendi and Aramburu all emerged from there. Current prospects include Dani Díaz, the reserve team's standout talent this season and stylistically closest to Barrenetxea, though lacking his defensive contribution.

The winter transfer market remains an option if internal solutions prove insufficient, with nine league matches in 28 days demanding immediate answers.