No revolution in Birmingham as Matarazzo’s Real step up pre-season | OneFootball

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad are in Birmingham to intensify their longest, busiest pre-season, with friendlies against Wolves and Aston Villa in Walsall. A delayed league start leaves almost a month to fine-tune before Betis at La Cartuja.

According to Diario Vasco, there is no overhaul and no new signings yet, despite the club knowing since 18 April they would play in Europe and four competitions. Recruitment targets include a left-footed centre-back and a versatile forward, with Sanse promotions the only additions so far.

The exit operation is gathering pace. Caleta-Car and Wesley have moved on after failing to convince, Aritz’s spell has ended and Brais has departed for the United States. Carlos Fernández is set to join Real Oviedo, while Karrikaburu stayed home and could move to Sporting, who are to sell Dubasin to Osasuna.

Matarazzo plans to crank up the work and start making early calls. Pacheco currently profiles as third or fourth centre-back after Aritz’s departure, while Javi López, Aihen, Goti and Zakharyan must impress to claim places.

The coach travelled with 28 players, leaving injured Odriozola, Marín and Karrikaburu at home, the latter with pubic discomfort as he finalises his exit. Carlos Fernández did not travel and has been training alone at Zubieta. Kubo and Sucic are in Birmingham but will not face Wolves.

Kubo is recovering from a World Cup knee sprain sustained in a collision with Dumfries and has already done ball work at Zubieta. He aims to rejoin the group during this camp, with Tuesday’s Villa game a possible target. Sucic has had his first session and will feature once up to speed.

Both matches are at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium, capacity 11,300. Wolves have played a pre-season friendly, while Villa opened against Walsall and face Porto today before meeting La Real.

Source: Diario Vasco