Real Sociedad have announced that Roberto Olabe, one of the most highly-rated football directors, is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Roberto has a contract running until 2026, but he’s opted to leave early, giving his club the time to replace him. Olabe has been highly rated in football, rated worldwide and not only in Spain for his experience and work in the field.
He managed to help the club compete in Europe in recent years, consistently finishing in the top 6 whilst also collecting their first major trophy in more than 3 decades by lifting the Copa del Rey in 2021.
Roberto Olabe’s business side of football
| Roberto Olabe will leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/DR199H0O7N
— Real Sociedad (@RealSociedadEN) November 13, 2024
Being at the disposal as a Director of Football often means that you’re accustomed to scouting and negotiating for some of the best talents. Having been a core member of Sociedad’s rise, he’ll bring his expertise in the Spanish market, where the biggest talents seem to be emerging at the moment.
Olabe’s name is synonymous with being at the end of some of the best transfer deals in recent years for the San Sebastián side – whether it’s talent being produced or traded.
Alexander Isak being signed for €15M from Borussia Dortmund and then sold for €70M to Newcastle in the summer of 2022 was one of the best deals. David Silva’s move from Manchester City saw him register almost 100 appearances before retiring in 2023.
Some other memorable transfers that he’s been the nucleus of include the signing of Takefusa Kubo on a 5-year contract from Real Madrid, Mikel Merino for a €12M deal in 2018 from Newcastle, and eventually selling him to Arsenal in a €32M transfer this season.
Arsenal looking for an Edu Gaspar replacement as a new Sporting Director
Real Sociedad have earned acclaim for trading and talent production under Roberto Olabe.
Their success stories include , , , , .
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 13, 2024
Arsenal are leading the rumours for the Spaniard to set up his home in North London, following the decision of Edu Gaspar to depart from the club earlier this month. The links to Arsenal make more sense with the hidden contexts between the two clubs.
Interestingly, Olabe was the man who signed Mikel Arteta at Real Sociedad in 2004 during his playing days. Arsenal have had a fair share of business with the Spanish outfit – Nacho Monreal, Kieran Tierney, and Mikel Merino. Olabe is expected to play a key role in transitioning Ødegaard’s career as well.
Arsenal have a decent amount of time to make the right decision, and having Olabe on the shortlist itself is a good sign. With Edu serving a six-month notice and the Gunners filling his position on an interim basis with Ayo (Ayto seems incorrect here), getting Olabe in the summer is a possibility.
