Real Sociedad Fantasy Guide 2026/27: squad, likely starting XI and recommended players

Objective for the 2026/27 season

Real Sociedad are heading into the 2026/27 season with the aim of fighting again for European places and, if possible, securing a spot in the next Champions League. After a last campaign with two very different faces, the team will look to build on the growth shown in the second half of the season.

The previous season started in a very difficult way after the departure of Imanol Alguacil and the arrival of Sergio Francisco, with a team without an identity that even found itself in the relegation spots. However, the arrival of Matarazzo completely changed the dynamic: Real regained intensity, improved their play and put together a great run of results that culminated in winning the Copa del Rey against Atlético de Madrid. After that success, the team slowed down in the final stretch of the season, with the new campaign already in view. Now, the goal will be to recover that intensity and start seeing a bold, ambitious Real, competitive and with a winning mentality.

Signings and new faces

After completing a strong season at Alavés, he returns from his loan determined to earn a place in the squad. However, competition in central defense will be very demanding, especially with Zubeldia and the possible arrival of another center-back.

Major departures

The Galician, after losing prominence with Matarazzo and putting together a pretty bittersweet season, has decided to end his time at Real Sociedad to sign for Columbus. A big loss, given the importance Brais has had in the team over the last few seasons.

One of the captains brings his time at the club of his life to an end. As a center-back or full-back, he always delivered whenever the team needed him, showing commitment, leadership and professionalism until the very last day. Eskerrik asko denagatik, Aritz.

The club has decided not to keep the Frenchman, despite the fact that he started in most of the matches alongside Jon Martín. His output was from bad to better and he ended up meeting expectations. Real Sociedad will have to strengthen their defense.

---

Goalkeepers in fantasy mode

@2@ Time to get back to his best. Over the last few years, Remiro has been a very reliable goalkeeper, both for Real Sociedad and in fantasy terms. Last season his performance dipped and Marrero's development raised doubts in goal, although he still kept his starting spot. If he stays at Real, it's hard to imagine him as a backup.

@4@ Watch Marrero. The Azpeitia shot-stopper has more than delivered every time he has had the chance, earning the team's and the fans' recognition. His performance in the Copa del Rey, where he was decisive in the penalty shootout, has put on display a competition for the goal that seemed closed for years.

---

Defenders in fantasy mode

@2@ The boss. His growth since he settled at Real has been unstoppable. A very solid and dependable center-back, with command of the aerial game that only a few can match. 

@2@ The blade on the flank. His attacking ability has made him a key piece since his arrival at Real. A full-back with plenty of technique, running power and end product, able to play in multiple positions and contribute in attack. A very valuable joker for any coach.

@3@ Indestructible. He can have better or worse days, but his commitment is always guaranteed. A full-back with a lot of running, intensity and sacrifice, to which you can rarely point out a lack of attitude.

@3@ Start again. Last year our veteran warhorse played fewer matches than we're used to, and that was because the coach preferred Caleta Car over Zubeldia. We'll have to see whether the manager ultimately trusts him or not.

@3@ Successful loan. Pacheco had a great season at Alavés, where he managed to become a key player for the team. Sergio Francisco didn't use him last campaign, and now we need to see what role he will have with Matarazzo.

@4@ Modest loan. Oviedo looked like the ideal setting for Javi López to prove his worth and take a step forward, but the reality is that his output has been fairly neutral. With Aihen's exit, everything points to him being the usual backup to Sergio Gómez.

@4@ A center-back for the future. Initially he starts as fourth-choice center-back, behind Zubeldia and Jon Pacheco, but we'll need to keep an eye on his development. A player with potential who could gain more prominence if he makes the most of his opportunities.

@4@ Mission impossible. Injuries have prevented him from having continuity, and when he has been available, he hasn't had many minutes either. We'll see if this season he manages to change the situation.

@4@ Exit. Everything suggests he will leave Real Sociedad for Osasuna.

---

Midfielders in fantasy mode

@1@ Bigote. Real Sociedad have benefited enormously from a player like him in midfield: balance, intelligence, powerful strikes and the ability to control the tempo of the match. He has everything to become the leader of the midfield. Plus, he can contribute goals, assists and set pieces.

@2@ Time to reclaim the throne. The Japanese comes off his worst season since joining Real Sociedad. Even so, his year wasn't bad; it just means we're used to him making the difference and being one of the most decisive players in the squad. If he gets back to his best, he will be a must-have signing.

@2@ The awakening. Year after year, Barrene has shown he has an enormous amount of quality , but inconsistency and injuries stopped him from taking that next step. Last season we saw the real Barrenetxea, a player who runs at defenders, creates problems and isn't afraid of anyone. He comes off his best year since joining Real and we hope he keeps growing.

@2@ A motor with gunpowder. Every time the Croat has the ball, it feels like something could happen, because he always looks forward and tries to create danger. He's the closest thing to Mikel Merino in the squad, but he also has a real cannon in his left foot. He should be a key player if he can be more consistent.

@3@ Pleasant surprise. It looked like Gorrotxa was going to take his place, but the arrival of Matarazzo changed everything. He made a 180-degree turn and became one of the most in-form players in the squad. We'll see if he maintains the level and gains more prominence.

@3@ Still to be seen. More is expected from Gorrotxa, since he arrived to cover for Zubimendi's absence and, although he has done his job, he hasn't quite turned into a nailed-on or indispensable starter as was initially expected. In pre-season he carried a minor case of pubalgia that could hold him back in the early league matches.

@3@ Glass all-rounder. His injury record is the only thing that raises doubts about his signing. Otherwise, we know the Venezuelan is a top player in midfield, a real box to box. If he can keep his best level without physical problems, he could be a key piece for Matarazzo.

@3@ The guy for everything. A very consistent player and one that Matarazzo likes. He always brings intensity and self-sacrifice, and can play either as a defensive midfielder or as a winger. Whether he starts or not, he's a player who always ends up getting minutes.

@4@ Quality in cotton wool. The Russian is a player with a lot of quality and an excellent strike, even taking charge of set pieces on some occasions. The downside is his injuries; we'll see if he can gain consistency and show his full potential.

@4@ Emergency player. He managed to make his debut last year with the first team under Matarazzo.

---

Forwards in fantasy mode

@1@ Il capitano. A club symbol and a key piece for Matarazzo. His versatility in attack, his goals, assists and his role as a penalty taker make him an essential player.

@2@ The reborn. The Portuguese was one of the big signings of last season. For just around 4M, Real found a real market bargain. After early doubts about his output, Guedes got back to his best and has become a key player for Matarazzo thanks to his attacking versatility.

@3@ Viking impact. The Icelander made a step up in level after Matarazzo's arrival. His performances surprised even the fans, to the point that he earned his own song. He was crucial in the final stretch of the season and his goal-scoring numbers per minutes played put him among LaLiga's best. He might not be an undisputed starter, but he will always get minutes. Good pre-season from the Icelander.

@4@ Good feelings in the B team. Matarazzo was the one who gave him his debut in the top flight, and he could also be the one to open the door to the first team. Last season he shone in LaLiga Hypermotion, so we'll need to keep an eye on his development and see if he manages to earn the coach's trust.

@4@ His time will come. A B winger with a lot of future projection. I think it's time to bring him up to the first team and help him establish himself. 

@4@ The B team's Killer. Last season he was the B team's top scorer. Real have decided to renew his contract, a sign of the confidence they have in him, although it seems complicated for him to carve out a place in the first team for now.

@4@ Emergency player. For now, it seems difficult to see him in the first team.

@4@ Exit. Everything points to Karrikaburu returning to leave Real again in search of minutes. Loan or sale.

---

Set pieces have a fundamental value in fantasy games, especially those that use objective statistics. We analyze the team's main set-piece takers.

Penalties

Free kicks

Corners

---

Speculation is especially important during pre-season, when some players can experience major value rises. We pick out the players with the greatest potential to generate profits in the fantasy market.

The most veteran center-back at Real can once again get his place back in the back line, as long as Pacheco or Beitia don't move ahead of him in the rotation.

A cheap player who always has the coach's trust, whether as a starter or a substitute.

If he gets back up and running like he did last season, he could become one of the top Fantasy midfielders. His best version makes him a difference-maker.

Despite a somewhat inconsistent season, Kubo is still counting on the fans' support. The affection that people in football have for him makes many keep betting on him, so his price should rise.

He finished the season in great form, finding the net in several matchdays. If he can be that decisive player again and recover his incredible goals per minutes played numbers, he could boost his value. The big problem is competition, because he will have to make the most of every opportunity he gets.

---

New this season, in this section we're putting our necks on the line with 3 players who could cause trouble this season and another 3 we're very unsure about.

3 POSSIBLE SURPRISES

The Croat has been leaving signs of his quality since he's been at Real. A profile that brings to mind Mikel Merino, with a great strike and plenty of ability to show up in different areas of the game. Inconsistency has been his main drawback, but he could be facing his breakthrough year.

Last year he joined the select group of players with the best goals per minute average in Europe. After raising doubts in his first season at Real, he managed to clear them up in the second. Now, in his third year in Donostia, it's time to finish breaking through.

Last season wasn't his best, but this year he has to be the Kubo we all know and go beyond 200 points.

3 POSSIBLE DISAPPOINTMENTS

We know the Russian has a lot of quality and very good ball striking, but his injuries raise a lot of doubts. He's almost always injured. His signing cost 10M in 2023.

Let's hope he doesn't turn into a disappointment, but his injury record gives plenty to think about. A very solid and complete all-round midfielder when he's in full condition, although that's also the main issue: getting him to be 100%. Remember that it cost Real around 11M.

He left Real like a hero, leaving 40M€ in the club's coffers. But since his return everything has changed: constant injuries, little involvement and one of the highest salaries in the squad. A disappointment season after season.