Javi López to return for Real Sociedad pre-season as future remains open | OneFootball

Javi López has said goodbye to Real Oviedo after the Asturian club failed to stay in the top flight. The left-back says he will return to Real Sociedad for pre-season under Pellegrino Matarazzo, while his longer-term future remains open.

According to Diario Vasco, López departed on loan after a poor first campaign at Real Sociedad and was signed from Alavés last season for six and a half million. He will have to fight for a place at left-back this summer.

Competition on that flank is crowded, with Sergio Gómez established as first choice and Aihen performing when called upon. The Etxauri-born defender is under contract until June 2027.

Matarazzo faces plenty of work to shape a competitive back line, and the recruitment team also have to get the signing of a centre-back right. There may be movement at full-back, with López still only 24.

His first year at Real Sociedad fell short of expectations and at times he struggled. In Oviedo he said he had been very happy and felt great affection, that the immediate future does not depend on him, and that he will keep the door open to Real Oviedo. He spoke before collecting the Five Estrellas award for April's player of the month.

Source: Diario Vasco