Real Sociedad weighs a Jon Pacheco exit

Jon Pacheco’s future at Real Sociedad has entered a period of doubt close to the transfer deadline, as Mundo Deportivo reports. His continued stay in San Sebastián is not guaranteed, and the club’s thinking appears to have shifted after the arrival of Mamadou Sarr.

The signal came with the squad selection for the match against Espanyol, where Pacheco was left out. From there, the outlet suggests the defender could end up looking for playing time away from Anoeta, potentially on loan.

A different defensive setup

The concern isn’t only sporting. If Pacheco does leave, the Real Sociedad would be without a defender of that natural profile for a second straight year. At the moment, he’s also the team’s only natural left-footed centre-back, so losing him would force coach Pellegrino Matarazzo to reshuffle the back line and adjust the way the team builds from the back.

A long contract, short-term doubt

The situation clashes with the club’s long-term plans. Pacheco renewed about a year and a half ago, signing a deal until 30 June 2030—leaving four seasons still on the contract. That’s why, as Mundo Deportivo notes, the possibility of another exit—potentially a loan—has gained momentum now, even if the initial idea was continuity.

The article also revisits Pacheco’s path: he was once seen as one of Zubieta’s top prospects, came through Spain’s youth ranks and won Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, but his breakthrough in the first team hasn’t fully taken shape. This season’s start hasn’t brought him minutes either, with his pre-season affected by physical issues, factors that have added to the uncertainty.