Mikel Oyarzabal has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, stating he is “very happy” at Real Sociedad. The 29-year-old forward has been a consistent performer for both club and country, recently impressing for Spain at the World Cup with four goals in four matches.
Barcelona are currently in the market for a new striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure after his contract expired. The club, according to reports from earlier this week, had made an offer of €150 million (£130m) for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but this bid was rejected by Atletico, who are unwilling to sell to their city rivals Real Madrid.
Spanish publication SPORT suggested that Oyarzabal could serve as an alternative option for Barcelona, but the player has now publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Real Sociedad, where he has spent his entire professional career. “I have already said several times that I am very happy at Real, that for me it has been my home and that they have also sheltered me in the most difficult moments, when I have been worse,” Oyarzabal said, as quoted by SPORT. “Thanks to Real I'm here. I can add little more [to the transfer speculation].”
Oyarzabal made his debut for Real Sociedad in 2015 and has since become a club legend, scoring 133 goals in 437 appearances. He has also won two Copa del Rey titles with Sociedad, finding the net in both finals in 2021 and 2026. On the international stage, Oyarzabal has 29 goals in 57 caps for Spain, placing him sixth in the nation’s all-time top scorers list, and notably scored the winning goal in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph over England. Alvarez, meanwhile, will be hoping to get on the scoresheet when Argentina face Egypt in the last 16 of the World Cup next Tuesday, having been a substitute in their recent extra-time victory over Cape Verde. His commitment to the Argentina squad remains strong after being part of their winning team at Qatar 2022.
Oyarzabal’s continued presence at Real Sociedad ensures they retain a key player, while Barcelona will need to reassess their attacking options as they search for a suitable replacement for Lewandowski.
