Real Sociedad chief to make surprise exit that could impact Martin Zubimendi future

Real Sociedad confirmed this week their director of football, Roberto Olabe, will step down at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Despite his contract running through to June 2026, Olabe informed the La Liga side in the summer of his intention to step down come the end of the season. The outgoing La Real director will be replaced by Erik Britos, who currently heads up their scouting and recruitment team.

And the impact of losing Olabe will certainly be a big blow for Real Sociedad. Under Olabe, Real Sociedad's recruitment has been mostly stellar, with the club making significant profits on the likes of Alexander Isak and Mikel Merino.

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They also gave Martin Odegaard a platform to perform during his half-a-season loan spell in the Basque Country before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of the 2019/20 campaign. And Olabe's decision to step down could impact upon the future of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is one of Europe's most highly sought after talents.

Liverpool thought they had done enough to convince Zubimendi to become the first major marquee signing of the Arne Slot era, only for the former to turn down the Reds in favor of staying with La Real. It was a decision that left Liverpool supporters, but one they could understand.

The 25-year-old has only known life at Real Sociedad, a club he loves and one where he feels most comfortable. He helped Spain win the European Championships last summer, and it is possible that could have sated an appetite for trophies in the short-term.

However, with Britos set to take over Real Sociedad's new director of football, there could be a shake-up behind the scenes which could result in Zubimendi being available once again this summer. The Reds made him their number one target before he turned them down, and it has now been reported both Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in the Spaniard who will not be short of suitors next summer.

Liverpool.com says: "Olabe's decision to step down looks to have been an unexpected one to everyone outside of Real Sociedad and it will be interesting to see whether or not it has an impact on Martin Zubimendi's future. Real Sociedad are excellent at bringing in and developing talent who they can sell on for profit. In Zubimendi's case, he is a midfielder they have nurtured, and one they may look to sell in the summer with him entering his prime, and with his value at an all-time high given the lack of top class defensive midfielders who are available."