La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have reportedly compiled a five-player list to pursue, including Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Mikel Oyarzabal is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues have compiled a list of five Spanish players to pursue in the 2024 summer transfer window. And the 26-year-old Real Sociedad captain is one of the candidates on their wishlist.
Mikel Oyarzabal has gone from strength to strength since joining Real Sociedad from SD Eibar. A native of Eibar, he began his youth career at his hometown club before arriving at Real Sociedad in 2011. The Spaniard subsequently progressed through the ranks at the Basque club before making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in October 2015.
The 26-year-old has since come leaps and bounds, establishing himself as one of the best attackers in La Liga. Oyarzabal, who has turned out over 300 times thus far for Real Sociedad, also serves La Real as the club captain. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Real Madrid.
The Merengues have adopted two policies in Florentino Perez’s current reign as the president. They constantly foray into the market for promising prospects who can help facilitate smooth transitions from one generation to the next. In addition, Perez has focused on “Spanishising” the Real Madrid squad in the last few years.
Players like Dani Ceballos, Joselu, and Fran Garcia have thus joined Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have now compiled a list of five Spanish players to pursue, with the wishlist including Bryan Zaragoza, Nico Williams, Yeremi Pino, and Dani Olmo. Another candidate is Mikel Oyarzabal, who can bolster the Real Madrid attack.
The 26-year-old is primarily a left-winger but can play across the frontline. So, he can be an asset for Real Madrid if he arrives from Real Sociedad. In addition, the Real Sociedad captain will add another leadership figure in the dressing room at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But Oyarzabal’s contract with Real Sociedad runs until June 30, 2028. So, Real Sociedad will likely demand a premium for the Spanish international if the Merengues come calling. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can prise him away from the Reale Arena.
