What if Real Sociedad never sold their best players?

What if Real Sociedad never sold their top players? From Odegaard to Isak, discover the dream team that could have made them one of Europe’s elite. Pejuola Ransome takes a look at the best players to don blue and white before moving on and becoming a superstar.

Real Sociedad have always been a club that produces and nurtures incredible talent. But like many in LaLiga outside the big three, they’ve often sold their best players just as they were ready to hit their prime. The result? Glimpses of greatness, but never a true breakthrough into Europe’s elite.

So, let’s play a little “what if.” Imagine Real Sociedad kept all their best exports. Here’s the team they could field today and why each one could’ve turned them into genuine title challengers.

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Goalkeeper

Gerónimo Rulli (GK): Reliable and commanding Rulli developed at Sociedad before moving on. Now shining at Villarreal, he could’ve been the long-term solution between the sticks, saving them from cycling through keepers.

Defence

Álvaro Odriozola (RB): A product of La Real’s academy, his pace and energy made him one ofSpain’s brightest full-back prospects. With proper development at Sociedad, he could’ve locked downthe right flank for years.

Iñigo Martínez (CB): The ultimate “one that got away.” A rock in defence, Martínez was the type of leader who could have built a backline capable of challenging Spain’s best. His performances for Barcelona last season told so much.

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Diego Llorente (CB): A ball-playing defender, Llorente offered balance next to a physical partner like Martínez. Sociedad often lacked stability in defence and keeping him could’ve solved that puzzle.

Theo Hernández (LB): Now, this is one of the biggest “what ifs” for Sociedad. After a loan spell, he moved on, and the club missed the chance to secure one of the best full-backs of his generation. His blistering pace, attacking drive, and improving defensive work would’ve transformed the left flank into a sharp side.

Midfield

Asier Illarramendi (CDM): The heartbeat of Sociedad’s midfield in his early years. A natural pivot who shielded the defence while dictating tempo. His best years should’ve been in Sociedad, not Madrid.

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Martin Ødegaard (CM/AM): When he first arrived at Sociedad on loan, Ødegaard showed glimpses of the player he would later become at Arsenal, sharp vision, delicate passing, and the ability to control a game from midfield. Pairing him with Illarramendi would’ve given Sociedad’s look the most dangerous in Spain.

Antoine Griezmann (CAM): Yes, Griezmann. Before Atlético Madrid, before Barcelona, before the World Cup, he was Sociedad’s gem. His creativity, movement, and goals would’ve made him the crown jewel of this XI.

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Attack

Mikel Oyarzabal (LW): Thankfully, he’s still here, the captain and soul of Sociedad. Linking him with Griezmann in attack would’ve given La Real one of the most dangerous left-sided duos in Europe.

Carlos Vela (RW): A magician with the ball, Vela’s flair and vision made him unplayable at times. Having him on the right side of this attack would’ve added both unpredictability and goals.

Alexander Isak (ST): The striker Sociedad fans still dream about. Tall, fast, and technically gifted. He scores from range, runs in behind, or holds up play for others. With Griezmann, Oyarzabal, and Vela with him, Isak would’ve thrived as the centrepiece of this attack, possibly reaching high levels in Europe before now.

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Put that XI together, and you’re looking at a team that could’ve seriously disrupted the LaLiga hierarchy. The mix of homegrown talent and smart signings was already there, the problem was keeping them long enough.

Instead, Real Sociedad became what they’ve always been: the talent factory for bigger clubs.

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Written by Pejuola Ransome