Jadon Sancho, an option for Real Sociedad

Ander Barrenetxea, a 24-year-old winger from Real Sociedad, could be out for several weeks after sustaining an injury against Rayo Vallecano. Faced with the possibility of losing him for a significant part of the upcoming months, the Donostiarra team is evaluating the signing of Jadon Sancho, a 26-year-old player who is currently without a team and could join without the need to pay a transfer fee.

The operation is currently in a study phase, and there is no record of formal contacts. The main obstacle would be the salary of the English player, who earned around 300,000 euros per week during his time at Manchester United.

🚨🔵⚪ 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗫𝗘𝗔'𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗝𝗨𝗥𝗬 🏥 @DCGipuzkoa confirms that tests were conducted yesterday, Tuesday. ⚠️ Sources suggest a more serious injury than expected. 📰 @MikRec reports he could miss the season. https://t.co/5baSE7HIVe

— @DeportesCOPEGipuzkoa (@DCGipuzkoa) November 11, 2026

Barrenetxea's injury forces Real Sociedad to seek alternatives

Concern began on November 8, when Ander Barrenetxea had to leave the match against Rayo Vallecano in the 71st minute after experiencing muscle discomfort in his right leg.

The player left the field in tears, just four minutes after assisting Orri Óskarsson in the goal that ultimately gave the Donostiarras a 1-0 victory.

Initial examinations indicate a significant muscle injury, although medical services still need to determine its definitive extent. The most pessimistic forecasts suggest his return may be after Christmas, which would mean missing the final matches of 2026.

His absence poses a problem for Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has used the winger in 14 of the 16 official matches played this season. Barrenetxea has accumulated two goals and at least three assists, directly participating in several of the team's victories.

Furthermore, the injury has forced him to withdraw from the Spanish national team, where Jorge de Frutos has taken his place for the November international commitments.

Jadon Sancho emerges as a potential reinforcer for Real Sociedad

In this scenario, the sports management is considering the addition of Jadon Sancho, who has been a free agent since his contract with Manchester United ended in June 2026. The Getafe made an offer for Jadon Sancho.

The English player has experience with Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. During his last season, he played 39 matches with the Birmingham team, although he could not convince management to keep him.

His contractual situation would allow negotiations to take place directly with the player, without paying a fee for his transfer. However, the main drawback concerns his economic demands.

Getafe already attempted to sign him in October with a proposal of 400,000 euros until June 2027, but negotiations did not progress. According to reports published in England, Sancho reportedly asked for approximately 3 million euros net for the remainder of the season.

For Real Sociedad, taking on such an amount would represent a complicated operation from a salary perspective and would also require meeting LaLiga registration rules.

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The future of Barrenetxea will dictate the next moves

The club would not be alone in the race for the English player. In addition to Getafe, several teams from the United Arab Emirates have shown interest in Sancho and could offer him better financial conditions.

The decision will depend on two factors: the definitive diagnosis of Ander Barrenetxea and the willingness of the English player to lower his salary demands. If the tests confirm an extended absence, Real Sociedad will have to decide whether to make an offer for Sancho or wait for the January market to acquire another winger.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jadon Sancho, opción para la Real Sociedad