Oyarzabal moves from Barcelona

The name of the Basque forward appears on Deco's agenda to strengthen the Catalan attack

Héctor Andreu | 9 Jul 2026 | 18.04
twitter tiktok instagram instagram Comentarios
Preferir Fichajes.net en Google
Oyarzabal does not plan to leave Real Sociedad / Sport
Oyarzabal does not plan to leave Real Sociedad / Sport

La Liga
1 X 2
Barcelona Athletic Club
16/08/26 17:00:00
1.42 4.75 6.25

Mikel Oyarzabal has once again positioned himself at the center of the market after his impressive performance with Spain. The captain of Real Sociedad is experiencing one of the best moments of his career, and his name is now on the FC Barcelona's transfer list as an alternative in case the operation for Julián Álvarez does not progress.

The 29-year-old forward has put an end to the debate about the number nine in the national team. His 16 goals in the last 17 matches with Spain, including 4 goals in the World Cup, explain why several top clubs are now looking at him in a different light.

Mikel Oyarzabal, the plan Barcelona is considering

The FC Barcelona has a clear priority for the forward position, but the market does not always allow them to pursue their top choice. Julián Álvarez remains the main dream, although Atlético de Madrid's stance is forcing Deco to work on viable and immediately productive alternatives.

This is where Mikel Oyarzabal comes in, a player who is well-versed in LaLiga, capable of playing as a striker, second striker, or winger, and who would not require an extensive adaptation period. His tactical intelligence and ability to navigate between center-backs align with what Barça is seeking.

The financial aspect also plays a role. While other options, such as Eli Junior Kroupi, could reach prices nearing 100 million euros, pursuing the Real Sociedad's captain would be in the range of around 40 million euros, a much more manageable sum.

Nevertheless, the operation is not straightforward. Mikel Oyarzabal is not just any player in San Sebastián. He is the captain, a symbol, and one of the club's recent key figures. His departure would have a significant sporting and emotional impact.

Real Sociedad trusts in keeping their captain

Real Sociedad knows they have a standout player on their hands. Since joining the academy in 2011 from Eibar, Oyarzabal has built a career that is uncommon in modern football: loyalty, leadership, and consistent performance.

His numbers speak for themselves: 437 official matches and 133 goals with the Basque club. Furthermore, he is under contract until 2028 and has always publicly expressed his happiness in Donosti, where he believes he can live as he wishes alongside his loved ones.

His comments regarding Barça were very clear. When asked whether it's possible to say no to the Catalan club, he affirmed that it is indeed possible, stating that some players have made that choice. This was not a trivial statement, as it signifies a very different stance compared to the norm during the transfer window.

At the same time, he did not completely close the door. The forward pointed out that football can change from one day to the next and that in a professional career, one cannot promise anything with absolute certainty. This slight opening keeps the rumor alive.

A cost-effective signing to shake up LaLiga

For Barça, Mikel Oyarzabal would be a solution for the present. He would not arrive as a player to develop but as a seasoned, competitive player accustomed to delivering in big moments. His goal in the Euro final and his current World Cup performance reinforce this label.

In LaLiga, few attackers can match his game reading, reliability in the box, and ability to work off the ball. He may not be the most high-profile striker, but he is one of the most valuable for a team that needs efficiency and organization in the final third.

The final decision will depend on several factors: the actual price, Real Sociedad's stance, and Barça's financial margins. However, his name is already part of the conversation.

Mikel Oyarzabal continues to emphasize that he is where he wants to be, although his great form has opened an unexpected opportunity. If FC Barcelona fails to secure Julián Álvarez, the Real Sociedad captain could become one of the standout stories of the transfer market.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Oyarzabal pasa del Barcelona