Will Carlos Soler be a starter with Real Sociedad?

0

Carlos Soler
4.050.000€    -

J1

MD

00

After several days of negotiations with PSG, the txuri-urdin entity officially announced the signing of the Valencian, who signs until 2030 in exchange for six million euros for 50% of his rights. The Spanish midfielder arrives at the club along with Gonçalo Guedes, with whom he already coincided at Valencia. Soler lands in Donostia with extensive experience in Europe, having previously been with PSG and West Ham, now established as a veteran player who, at 28 years old, must bring continuity and leadership.

Carlos Soler had a contract with PSG until 2027, but he was not in Luis Enrique's plans. Last season, he played on loan at West Ham, where he participated in 31 matches, scored a goal, and provided an assist. His performance has not been particularly outstanding since leaving Valencia, but at Real Sociedad, he has the opportunity to regain his best version. He arrives to strengthen the midfield and, by signing a long-term contract, all indications are that he will become a key player for the team if injuries allow. His experience and versatility allow him to cover various positions in midfield or perform offensive creative functions, giving him an advantage over teammates with more limited profiles.

On the negative side, it's worth noting that the player has trained at a slightly slower pace than the rest of the squad, so it may take a few matches for him to settle as a starter. It is not uncommon for recent signings to need time to adapt to the coach's style. However, let's look at his main competitors for the position.

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Competition for the position

3

Yangel Herrera
2.680.000€+80.000€    8

J1

MD

00

He does not have exactly the same profile as Soler, as he can play as a holding midfielder with a more defensive role. Both are perfectly compatible in the same lineup, so he is not considered his main rival for the starting position. Additionally, he will not be available until October due to a hamstring injury, with an estimated recovery time of between six and eight weeks.

9

Brais Méndez
3.120.000€-110.000€    5

J1

MD

10

The season has not started well for him, and Real Sociedad even looked for an exit for him. For now, he seems likely to start, although he could lose his place in favor of Carlos Soler, who still needs to reach his physical peak. Both will compete for a place in the starting eleven in the long term.

8

Pablo Marín
1.210.000€+10.000€    -

J1

MD

00

A homegrown player with increasing importance in the team, highly valued for his vision and his ability to link play between lines. He is expected to be an important piece both now and in the future. He will be a direct rival for Soler; they may rotate depending on the opponent, the system, and the schedule. There will be matches where Soler starts, others where Marín has priority, and even games where they may play together: one with more organizing influence and the other contributing in attack.

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Fantasy conclusion

We believe that Soler will be a starter or will play quite frequently, especially in important matches or when Real Sociedad needs greater control in midfield. However, there will also be games (perhaps against more accessible opponents or if he is not 100%) where he will start from the bench. His market value is around 4 million euros, and it doesn't seem like an exorbitant price if he can establish himself in the starting eleven of a Real Sociedad team that should finish high in the table.

Carlos Soler probably won't reach the same fantasy stats he achieved in his best years at Valencia, but he can be a very interesting player and make an impact in fantasy markets.