Latest news with #Sociedad
The Mainichi
a day ago
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Sociedad's Kubo buoyed with goal in World Cup season opener
VALENCIA, Spain (Kyodo) -- Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo began the World Cup season with a bang on Saturday after grabbing a goal in the Spanish La Liga opener, helping Real Sociedad secure a 1-1 draw at Valencia. The 24-year-old drew his side level on the hour mark at Mestalla by hammering home a 20-meter drive into the bottom right corner, scoring in the league opener for the third time in four seasons at Sociedad. "My feel for the ball was somewhat not good (in the game), but it's positive to start with a goal," Kubo said. "There were lots of games I felt good playing but went without scoring last year, so I believe it's not a bad thing if I were to continue to have games like this." Diego Lopez had thrown his body to poke home a long ball from deep to give Valencia the lead only three minutes earlier. Kubo provided an instant response with his goal, creating space for himself off a Brais Mendez layoff before finding the net with a crisp strike. "I had my mind set on taking a shot but taking that tiny touch threw both the defender and goalkeeper off their timing. It worked well," he said. Sociedad are looking to improve on their 11th-place finish last term with Kubo, linked with a transfer away after the club sold many of their key players in recent years, seen as a focal point under new manager Sergio Francisco. "I think it'd be best to build confidence (at Sociedad) and head into the World Cup in good shape, reaching my peak condition there." In the Netherlands, Ayase Ueda headed in a 22nd-minute leveler off a rebound as Feyenoord came from behind to win 2-1 at Excelsior, getting on the scoresheet for the second straight game. Kento Shiogai came on to net a late brace as NEC Nijmegen claimed a 4-1 comeback win at Heracles.
Kyodo News
a day ago
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Football: Sociedad's Kubo buoyed with goal in World Cup season opener
VALENCIA, Spain - Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo began the World Cup season with a bang on Saturday after grabbing a goal in the Spanish La Liga opener, helping Real Sociedad secure a 1-1 draw at Valencia. The 24-year-old drew his side level on the hour mark at Mestalla by hammering home a 20-meter drive into the bottom right corner, scoring in the league opener for the third time in four seasons at Sociedad. "My feel for the ball was somewhat not good (in the game), but it's positive to start with a goal," Kubo said. "There were lots of games I felt good playing but went without scoring last year, so I believe it's not a bad thing if I were to continue to have games like this." Diego Lopez had thrown his body to poke home a long ball from deep to give Valencia the lead only three minutes earlier. Kubo provided an instant response with his goal, creating space for himself off a Brais Mendez layoff before finding the net with a crisp strike. "I had my mind set on taking a shot but taking that tiny touch threw both the defender and goalkeeper off their timing. It worked well," he said. Sociedad are looking to improve on their 11th-place finish last term with Kubo, linked with a transfer away after the club sold many of their key players in recent years, seen as a focal point under new manager Sergio Francisco. "I think it'd be best to build confidence (at Sociedad) and head into the World Cup in good shape, reaching my peak condition there." In the Netherlands, Ayase Ueda headed in a 22nd-minute leveler off a rebound as Feyenoord came from behind to win 2-1 at Excelsior, getting on the scoresheet for the second straight game. Kento Shiogai came on to net a late brace as NEC Nijmegen claimed a 4-1 comeback win at Heracles.
Irish Independent
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Alexander Isak banished from training with Newcastle as Liverpool speculation continues
The 25-year-old Sweden international did not travel with his team-mates on their pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea, ostensibly because of a minor thigh injury, after Liverpool, who subsequently tabled a £110million bid for him, let it be known they remained interested in acquiring his services. Isak, who later informed the club he wanted to explore his options this summer, instead flew to Spain to train at former club Real Sociedad and returned to Tyneside at the weekend, shortly before head coach Eddie Howe and his squad landed back from Seoul and were given two days off. The players were back at the training ground on Wednesday morning and their families were invited to join them after training. However Isak, who reported back to the club's Benton base on Monday, was told not to come in until after they had left. The £63million frontman has been a huge hit since his arrival from Sociedad during the summer of 2022 and played a key role last season as they ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy with the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. However questioned about his absence in South Korea, Howe signalled that his actions might have repercussions. The 47-year-old told reporters: 'You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United. 'The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here. 'We will make sure that any player earns the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.' Isak is understood to have undergone treatment and light training at a deserted training ground on Monday, and it remains to be seen whether he will have any involvement in the club's pre-season fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid this weekend. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The striker faces clear-the-air talks with Howe, with his situation becoming seemingly more complicated by the day as a difficult transfer window threatens to spiral further out of control. Newcastle tabled an improved club record bid for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko on Monday in an effort to beat Manchester United to the punch, but developments since suggest the 22-year-old is more likely to head for Old Trafford than St James' Park. That would represent the latest blow in a transfer window which has already seen the Magpies miss out on major targets Dean Huijsen, Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Liam Delap. They have managed to recruit Nottingham Forest wide man Anthony Elanga and, on loan, Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, but with frontman Callum Wilson and midfielder Sean Longstaff having left, there is significant work to be done, with the start of the new season just 10 days away. Howe was already looking for a striker before the Isak situation came to a head and, with three years remaining on the Swede's current deal – he has so far resisted the club's overtures to sign a new contract – there seems to be little prospect of the club allowing him to leave either before they have secured a replacement or for much less than their £150m valuation, having already rebuffed Liverpool's initial approach.
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. Advertisement 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. Advertisement Read More on Arsenal But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Advertisement Most read in Football San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Advertisement Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Advertisement But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Advertisement 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Advertisement Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Advertisement Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' Advertisement ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit: 6
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
Martin Zubimendi will have a lot of help in his bid to anchor Arsenal's midfield ON THE MEND Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest rumours from the Emirates And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta stretching back 12 months. Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then Zubimendi to join him the following season. It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about Arsenal's unique negotiation tactic, Merino admitted: 'I didn't know [Zubimendi] was coming. We were really focused on the present. 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of joining for £63.5m. But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit:
