Real Sociedad braced for more shirt-number changes as exits loom | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have yet to do any deals, but ins and outs are expected this summer. The possible exits of Arsen Zakharyan and Jon Karrikaburu would reopen shirts 21 and 19, which have often changed hands.

AS reports that both players could move on, prompting another reshuffle. The recent churn contrasts with three years of stability up to 2022-23.

From 2019-20 to 2022-23 David Silva wore 21, while Alexander Isak held 19 at Anoeta before joining Newcastle. Before Silva arrived, 21 had been used by Martin Odegaard, and since Silva left it has gone to André Silva, Nayef Aguerd and, last season, Zakharyan.

The 19 shirt went to Alexander Sorloth in 22-23, then to Sadiq Umar for the next two campaigns with little success. From February 2024-25 it was assigned to Jon Aramburu, before this year passing to Karrikaburu, who has barely featured under Pellegrino Matarazzo.

More numbers are set to be free. Duje Caleta-Car and Wesley Gassova depart after loans, so 16 and 22, the latter belonging to Mikel Goti until January, are vacant for next season.

Academy defender Jon Martín will step up to the first team. He is expected to inherit number six left open by Aritz Elustondo, whose contract expired without renewal, as the Beasain-born player finalises a move to PAOK, coached by Alessio Lisci.

Source: AS