Left-footed centre-back Jon Pacheco is weighing up a departure from Real Sociedad before the transfer window closes. This news comes as the team sits 14th in La Liga with 3 points from a start of one win and two losses.
The player's place at Anoeta is not guaranteed, as manager Matarazzo stated. Pacheco, a product of the Zubieta academy, is the squad's only natural left-footed central defender but has played zero minutes this campaign. He was omitted from the squad for the match against Espanyol. With four full seasons remaining on his contract, renewed until June 2030, a loan move is considered a possible exit route.
Why is a left-footed centre-back important?
The absence of a left-footed defender in the lineup disrupts the defensive geometry's balance. Real Sociedad has lost that defensive equilibrium without Pacheco's natural presence. To compensate for a potential exit, the coaching staff plans to adapt right-footed defenders to play on the left side. This situation arises as the team seeks to improve a defensive record that has seen them concede 6 goals in their opening three games, as shown in our stats section.
What is the current squad context?
Manager Matarazzo noted that "the one from Elizondo has become the fifth centre-back in the squad," referring to the signing of Mamadou Sarr. This arrival has pushed Pacheco further down the pecking order. The 25-year-old, who represented Spain at all youth levels and won Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, spent last season on loan at Alavés. His lack of involvement contrasts with the team's current absentees, Pablo Marín and Álvaro Odriozola, who are on our injuries list.
What are Pacheco's options now?
A Pacheco exit could be imminent. The player and his camp are evaluating possibilities before the transfer deadline. A loan appears the most likely path, allowing him to gain minutes elsewhere while Real Sociedad retains his long-term rights. This move would let the club adjust its wage bill and defensive depth for a season where they already trail leaders Real Madrid by 6 points.
How does this affect the upcoming fixtures?
Pacheco's potential departure leaves Real with an immediate tactical decision for their next match. The team faces 18th-placed Celta Vigo at the Reale Arena on September 3rd. The coaching staff must decide how to configure the defence for that game and the rest of the schedule, which you can see on our fixtures page. The need for points is urgent to climb the standings and move away from the lower positions. Resolving Pacheco's situation in the coming days will be key for planning the rest of the year.
