Real Sociedad close window with defence bolstered and Zubieta centre stage | OneFootball

Real Sociedad closed the summer window on Tuesday with two signings and several exits, prioritising defence after Duje Caleta-Car’s loan ended and Aritz Elustondo departed, and despite the presence of academy defender Luken Beitia.

According to AS, seven centre-back targets were assessed before Mamadou Sarr, 20, arrived from Chelsea on a loan without a purchase option.

Right-back was also addressed after Álvaro Odriozola’s cruciate injury and Iñaki Rupérez’s return to Sanse, with Héctor Fort, 20, joining from Barcelona on a five-year deal to 2031.

Sarr signed on Friday 28 August, Fort followed on 29 August.

The headline sale was Brais Méndez to Columbus Crew for six million euros, having sought a move last season when an offer from Arabia fell through. Mikel Rodríguez joined Alavés for two million euros with a buy-back option.

Carlos Fernández terminated his contract and signed for Real Oviedo, where Mikel Goti also arrived on loan on deadline day. Javi López left on loan to Feyenoord with an option to buy, Jon Karrikaburu rescinded to join Burgos under Sergio Francisco, and Elustondo signed for PAOK de Salónica.

Of the returning loanees, only Jon Pacheco stays with the first team. He drew interest from Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna but chose to remain. No further departures followed despite enquiries.

The balance shows eight million euros incoming, six from Méndez and two from Rodríguez. Spending totalled 10 million euros, 8.5 million for 60% of Fort and 1.5 million for Sarr’s loan. Also, 1.5 million brought Kita into Sanse.

Source: AS

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