Latest news with #RealSociedad
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Gossip: Toffees discuss Kubo deal
Everton have spoken to Real Sociedad over a deal for 24-year-old Japan winger Takefusa Kubo. (Teamtalk), externalWant more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip columnFollow the gossip column on BBC Sport
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool reality is obvious after Mikel Arteta's desperate transfer plea
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has admitted that his roster is still "short" and lacking in "depth and quality" while making just one signing that looks to be an upgrade - while Liverpool has already signed five starting-quality players. The Gunners managed to do what the Reds could not in finally convincing Martin Zubimendi to leave Spain, with the midfielder having agreed to join Liverpool last season before changing his mind and remaining with Real Sociedad. He joined Arsenal this offseason for $75 million. And while Arsenal has spent $91 million on three other signings, none of the them look likely to be starters in their best line-up being added for depth. Noni Madueke has joined from Chelsea, likely to be insurance for Bukayo Saka - both being right-wingers. Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga have also signed as back-up options. The club is also close to signing Cristhian Mosquera as a back-up center-back. READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Ekitike agreed, Alexander Isak latest, Rodrygo talks, Luis Diaz exit READ MORE: Arne Slot gets glimpse of future in Liverpool's 8-0 preseason victory Their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres and Rodrygo had been widely reported, with the Gunners looking to have been priced out of a move for the latter - while yet to land their preferred number nine in the Swedish striker, which appears to have the Spanish coach somewhat frustrated. Arsenal's head coach has admitted he wants to see further additions, acknowledging that they still have work to do, although they have already begun their preseason. He said: "In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. "Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have - and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10 to 15 days." He added: "It's like shaking the tree again. New faces... they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it's what we are seeking." Meanwhile, Arne Slot's Reds has already made six signings, with a seventh believed to be almost wrapped up in Hugo Ekitike joining for $93 million. Ekitike is to join up with Liverpool on their preseason tour in Hong Kong and Japan, joining fellow new additions in Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and their three new goalkeepers in Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman. Woodman is likely to be third-choice goalkeeper with Pecsi in the youth set-up, while Mamardashvili will compete with Alisson Becker - while almost certain to be the back-up. But Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong and Ekitike all look to be starting quality additions, being with the team for several weeks while already playing in preseason games - having ample time with the squad to ready themselves ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal will hope to wrap up Gyokeres sooner rather than later. If not, he is unlikely to have too much time with the team prior to the season, unless he's able to join while on their tour in Asia over the next 10 days.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
No one can afford to buy Alexander Isak, says ex-Newcastle player John Anderson
That is the view of former Magpies defender John Anderson amid frenzied speculation over the Sweden international's future on Tyneside following his absence from the club's first pre-season friendly at Celtic on Saturday. The 25-year-old striker hit the headlines once again last week when Premier League champions Liverpool indicated they would be prepared to offer £120million – around £30m shy of Newcastle's hands-off valuation – for him should he become available. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sent striker Alexander Isak home amid speculation over his future (Jane Barlow/PA) However, Anderson told the PA news agency: 'Once you've got good players and you've got very, very good players, they're always going to be linked with other teams. That's always been the nature of the game and that's never, ever going to go away. 'I just don't think anybody at this moment in time can afford Isak and that's the truth of it. 'There's a lot of speculation about whether he's going to sign a new contract and have the club offered him a new contract – I don't think the boy is in any hurry to sign a new contract because he's got three years left on his present deal. 'Why would he be?' Alexander Isak has been a big hit on Tyneside since his £63million switch from Real Sociedad (Owen Humphreys/PA) Head coach Eddie Howe revealed after the 4-0 defeat at Celtic Park that Isak had been sent home from Glasgow after a pre-season training camp in Austria because he was never going to play any part in the game as he manages his return from a groin injury. Howe did not want him sitting in the stands as the rumours gathered pace, despite his club's insistence that he is simply not for sale. Anderson said: 'It's a high-profile game, the champions of Scotland against a side that's qualified for the Champions League, but I think all the speculation would have been about Isak sitting in the stand rather than being focused on the game.' The former Republic of Ireland defender, who now covers the Magpies' games as a co-commentator for BBC Radio Newcastle, has witnessed Isak's meteoric rise since his £63m arrival from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022 and knows how vital his retention is. He said: 'Oh God, he's huge. It's okay getting whatever you get for him, but how do you replace a player like that? That's the bottom line. Alan Shearer scored 206 goals during his 10-year stay at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA) 'You've got all the money in the world, yes, but can you get a player in who can do what he does?' Anderson played alongside Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley at St James' Park and watched Alan Shearer scored a record 206 goals for the club and he believes Isak is a special talent. He said: 'Shearer was a great out-and-out goalscorer, but this boy has got everything. Not only does he score goals, but he creates goals, he makes space for other people, he frightens the life out of defenders with his movement. 'And at the age that he's at, he's still got his prime years ahead of him. He's only going to get better.'
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
No one can afford to buy Alexander Isak, says ex-Newcastle player John Anderson
That is the view of former Magpies defender John Anderson amid frenzied speculation over the Sweden international's future on Tyneside following his absence from the club's first pre-season friendly at Celtic on Saturday. The 25-year-old striker hit the headlines once again last week when Premier League champions Liverpool indicated they would be prepared to offer £120million – around £30m shy of Newcastle's hands-off valuation – for him should he become available. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sent striker Alexander Isak home amid speculation over his future (Jane Barlow/PA) However, Anderson told the PA news agency: 'Once you've got good players and you've got very, very good players, they're always going to be linked with other teams. That's always been the nature of the game and that's never, ever going to go away. 'I just don't think anybody at this moment in time can afford Isak and that's the truth of it. 'There's a lot of speculation about whether he's going to sign a new contract and have the club offered him a new contract – I don't think the boy is in any hurry to sign a new contract because he's got three years left on his present deal. 'Why would he be?' Alexander Isak has been a big hit on Tyneside since his £63million switch from Real Sociedad (Owen Humphreys/PA) Head coach Eddie Howe revealed after the 4-0 defeat at Celtic Park that Isak had been sent home from Glasgow after a pre-season training camp in Austria because he was never going to play any part in the game as he manages his return from a groin injury. Howe did not want him sitting in the stands as the rumours gathered pace, despite his club's insistence that he is simply not for sale. Anderson said: 'It's a high-profile game, the champions of Scotland against a side that's qualified for the Champions League, but I think all the speculation would have been about Isak sitting in the stand rather than being focused on the game.' The former Republic of Ireland defender, who now covers the Magpies' games as a co-commentator for BBC Radio Newcastle, has witnessed Isak's meteoric rise since his £63m arrival from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022 and knows how vital his retention is. He said: 'Oh God, he's huge. It's okay getting whatever you get for him, but how do you replace a player like that? That's the bottom line. Alan Shearer scored 206 goals during his 10-year stay at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA) 'You've got all the money in the world, yes, but can you get a player in who can do what he does?' Anderson played alongside Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley at St James' Park and watched Alan Shearer scored a record 206 goals for the club and he believes Isak is a special talent. He said: 'Shearer was a great out-and-out goalscorer, but this boy has got everything. Not only does he score goals, but he creates goals, he makes space for other people, he frightens the life out of defenders with his movement. 'And at the age that he's at, he's still got his prime years ahead of him. He's only going to get better.'
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Martin Zubimendi: The coach's midfielder and a ‘complete' player
Arsenal's new signing Martin Zubimendi might have been a surfer or a top chess player, but instead he became one of the most sought after holding midfielders in European football. The 26-year-old's list of admirers and suitors as he emerged and progressed at Real Sociedad is impressive. Former Barcelona playmaker Xavi wanted him in 2023 when he was head coach at Camp Nou. Liverpool thought they had him last year. Real Madrid's new head coach, Xabi Alonso, played a big role in shaping Zubimendi's game — and a reunion seemed possible to some at the Bernabeu. Advertisement But Mikel Arteta pushed hardest to get Zubimendi and on July 6, Arsenal confirmed they would pay a fee of around €65million (£55.8m; $76.6m) to get their man. This is the story of his rise and why he was so in demand. Though many have admired and looked into the signing of Zubimendi, it is telling that it is the former Spanish midfielders-turned-coaches mentioned above who have rated him so highly. According to former Leeds United, Malaga and Valencia coach Javi Gracia, it is because of Zubimendi's specific mix of attributes, on and off the ball. 'As a 'medio-centro', you think about what the whole team needs, and as coaches we often especially like players who have characteristics that we had ourselves,' Gracia tells The Athletic. Gracia himself played holding midfield for La Real in the 1990s, and has closely followed Zubimendi's development at Anoeta. 'For those who have been very top players — like Mikel, Xabi and Xavi — it can be hard to find players for their teams who can do what they used to do. Martin is a real team player, very honest, hardworking, generous and always committed, with quality in attack and defence.' Zubimendi was born in February 1999 in San Sebastian's quiet and prosperous Ulia neighbourhood, close to both the beach and the mountains. His mother was a teacher, his father a university professor of physical education, who also coached in semi-pro regional Basque football. 'Sport has always been like a religion in my house,' Zubimendi told Diario Vasco in 2020. After starting with his neighbourhood side Lengokoak, Zubimendi joined the city's highest profile youth team Antiguoko, where Arteta, Alonso, and current Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola also played as kids. Zubimendi played as Antiguoko's under-14s beat Brazilians Salvador de Bahia in the 2012 final of the prestigious Donosti Cup youth tournament at Real Sociedad's Anoeta Stadium. By then, La Real had already shown interest, but Zubimendi did not immediately stand out as a future pro. 🌟 Zubimendi sigue coleccionando MVPs por Europa 🔝 🔝 Con la victoria de anoche, la @RealSociedad pasa a octavos de la @ChampionsLeague como primero de grupo 😍 Zorionak! 💙#donosticup #DCPlayers #Champions #zubimendi #realsociedad #mvp — Donosti Cup (@donosticup) December 13, 2023 'Martin went to train with La Real for three years, as an 'external' player, but they did not sign him permanently,' Antiguoko president Roberto Montiel tells The Athletic. 'At 'Cadete' level (under-15s), he made a leap forward. Some other clubs showed interest, and La Real signed him then.' At La Real's Zubieta academy, Zubimendi's progress was again steady rather than spectacular. He debuted at 18 for Real Sociedad's B team, then coached by Imanol Alguacil in the Segunda B (Spanish football's old semi-professional third tier), but others were on faster tracks to the first team. The summer of 2019 saw Alonso take over La Real's B team. Advertisement The former La Real, Liverpool and Madrid holding midfielder saw a lot of himself in Zubimendi — similar position on the field, background and personality and spent a lot of time teaching him different aspects of the role. Sources close to both, requesting anonymity like all consulted for this article in order to speak openly, say Alonso saw Zubimendi almost as a 'personal cause'. 'That (2019-20) was a key year for me, because I had not played many minutes before,' Zubimendi told El Pais in 2023. '(Alonso) spent more time with me than others, because he wanted someone in that position who could do the things he liked to do.' After a year working with Alonso, Zubimendi was ready for the first team, which Alguacil now coached. When football returned following the break for Covid-19 in summer 2020, he won a starting spot as La Real finished the season strongly to qualify for the Europa League. The following season saw Zubimendi established at the base of the midfield alongside David Silva and Mikel Merino. La Real won the (delayed) 2020 Copa del Rey final against Basque rivals Athletic Club in March 2021. Zubimendi's form saw him start for Spain at that summer's Under-21 European Championship in Hungary and Slovenia (where they lost to Portugal in the semi-finals) and the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where they lost to Brazil in the final. Luis de la Fuente, who later became Spain's senior team head coach, led both those junior sides. The following September, in 2022, Zubimendi was the chief organiser in the La Real team that won at Manchester United in the Europa League group stage. 'Zubimendi developed in La Real playing most often in a 4-3-3, as the No 6, the deepest of the three midfielders,' Gracia says. 'In possession, a lot of the team's play passed through him — sometimes he would drop between the centre-halves to help start moves. He also took up positions between the lines to take the ball. Advertisement 'He linked the team's play together, kept it moving. Defensively, he could add solidity to the team's back line when necessary. A very complete player.' A new contract agreed in October 2022 set his release clause at €60m as other clubs circled. 'Zubimendi is an extraordinary 'pivot',' Xavi told Sport in May 2023. 'He controls the game, the moments, on and off the ball. He wins duels. He understands the model (of play) we like at Barca.' Barca's decision-makers viewed the release clause as too expensive for a pivot. La Real were delighted, and that autumn, Alguacil's team topped a Champions League group featuring Inter, Benfica and Red Bull Salzburg while conceding just two goals in six games. Although they lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, it was still a tremendous achievement by a group of players, many of whom — including Zubimendi, Mikel Oyarzabal, Robin Le Normand and Ander Barrenetxea — had grown up together under Alguacil. Last summer, Zubimendi was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, coming off the bench when Manchester City's Rodri was injured in the first half of the final against England that Spain won 2-1. By that stage, it was Liverpool who were attempting to persuade him to leave home. Zubimendi thought long and hard before deciding to stay with his hometown club, leaving Liverpool feeling he had gone back on his word. 'My philosophy is to do what I feel inside,' Zubimendi told El Pais last October. 'Every transfer window, different clubs are talked about, it's normal. I thought that maybe the best for me was to stay at my club, look for personal growth.' The Basque's connection to his home city is clear. His apartment in San Sebastian's fashionable Gros neighbourhood was a short walk from his parents' house and the Zurriola beach. 'My friends surf, but I don't, I can't because of football,' he told ABC in July 2024. Zubimendi has also been studying for a degree in physical activity and sports sciences at the University of Burgos. Growing up, he was the Gipuzkoa region's chess champion aged 11, and he still plays today. 'Chess gives me a lot of concentration, having things under control — it has a lot in common with football, as just one slip can cost you dearly,' he told Relevo during last summer's Euros. Real Sociedad's 2024-25 season brought a clear end-of-cycle feeling. Merino (to Arsenal) and Le Normand (to Atletico Madrid) were sold last summer. During the campaign, sporting director Roberto Olabe and coach Alguacil announced they were also leaving. Advertisement It has long seemed clear that Zubimendi would also be on his way. Arsenal began actively pursuing a deal to sign him in January. Sources who know him say he believes he has proven he is ready to step up to the Premier League alongside regular appearances in the Champions League. Arteta was a driving force in persuading Zubimendi to come to London. As speculation intensified in May, cameras caught La Real's Basque coach Alguacil jokingly shouting instructions in English at Zubimendi ('intensity!') during one of their last training sessions together. Then Real Madrid hired Alonso in late May, bringing a potential late complication. Madrid have lacked someone to control games from deep midfield since Toni Kroos' retirement in 2024. Zubimendi himself caused some suspense by predicting 'a long summer' when asked about his future in early June. He again showed his quality while playing both Spain's Nations League games that month, scoring in the 2-2 draw against Portugal in the final. But although there is admiration at the Bernabeu for Zubimendi's game, the club hierarchy did not actively pursue his signature. Any doubts were ended when Zubimendi was in London on June 20 to meet Arsenal officials and complete the formalities of his transfer. It was announced on July 6 that the deal was completed and a five-year contract at the Emirates had been signed. 'When Zubimendi has played regularly for the national team, he showed what he has been showing at La Real for many years,' Gracia says. 'He has the physical capacity for the Premier League, where you need the legs to cover more distance. La Real's style was also to press very high, so I don't think he will have a problem in England.' (Photos: Getty Images; graphic: Demetrius Robinson)
