European return boosts Real Sociedad’s transfer hand | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have regained European football for the new window, restoring a key draw after missing it last season. The club can again offer continental competition to summer recruits.

According to Diario Vasco, this advantage can be decisive when players choose projects, and Real want at least one centre-back and a wide forward who can also play through the middle.

The sporting department downplays it publicly, though Erik Bretos has said the club are big with or without Europe, while accepting Champions League exposure makes them more attractive.

Recent windows suggest as much. In 2020 they beat Lazio to David Silva, signed free from Manchester City, and he later played three European seasons and the delayed 2021 Copa final.

Further European seasons followed, then in 2022 Real spent just over 50 million euros on Sadiq, Brais Méndez, Cho and Kubo, with Sorloth returning on loan.

The 22/23 campaign delivered Champions League qualification, then 2023 brought Zakharyan, Odriozola and Traoré, plus Tierney and André Silva on loan, and Becker and Galán in January. They topped a group ahead of Inter, Benfica and Salzburg, then lost to PSG, who won the European Cup in the next two seasons.

In 2024 Real signed Óskarsson, Sucic, Sergio Gómez, Javi López and Aguerd on loan for 45 million euros. Despite no Europe last year they still added Guedes, Soler, Yangel Herrera and Caleta-Car. Now back in Europe and as Copa holders, they will play four competitions next season and are shaping a squad to match.

Source: Diario Vasco