Zakharyan's time is up
Three goals in three seasons. That is the brutal bottom line on Arsen Zakharyan's Real Sociedad career, and it's hard to see a way back. The numbers paint a damning picture of a signing that simply never clicked, and with the squad undergoing a major restructuring this summer, his exit feels inevitable. (1)
Oyarzabal rested by Spain
Mikel Oyarzabal has been ruled out of Spain's friendly against Iraq on Thursday. The decision is purely precautionary, with the World Cup looming. Nothing to worry about for your captain. (2)
Guedes back at full speed
Gonçalo Guedes is training at 100% with Portugal after shaking off persistent ankle problems. A fully fit Guedes going into the World Cup is exactly what you want to see after an injury-hit season. (5)
Pre-season taking shape
Mark your calendars. Pellegrino Matarazzo's first pre-season session is set for Saturday 4 July, and the first friendly is confirmed: a clash of champions against Racing on Saturday 18 July at Zubieta. Real Sociedad, the Copa del Rey holders, versus the LaLiga Hypermotion winners. (3) (4)
Transfer market: two hits, one €11M miss
A detailed review of the summer window highlights two standout successes and one painful flop, an €11 million signing derailed by injuries. As Erik Bretos works to trim a bloated 42-man squad, getting these calls right will define the rebuild. (6)
Eyes on 'Oso'
Real Sociedad are tracking Joaquín Martínez Gauna, known as 'Oso'. The forward has also caught the attention of Lionel Scaloni's Argentina staff, so the competition is serious. One to watch. (7)
