Real Sociedad preseason squad announced with Remiro present and Brais Méndez absent
Real Sociedad preseason begins under Pellegrino Matarazzo with Alex Remiro included while Brais Méndez is conspicuously absent from the initial squad list. The first training session will feature a mix of senior players, returning loanees and a dozen Sanse youngsters called up to bolster numbers as the club awaits new signings.
Remiro returns to lead goalkeeping group as Méndez misses out
Alex Remiro’s inclusion is the headline from the list of players summoned for the first sessions of Real Sociedad preseason under Pellegrino Matarazzo. The goalkeeper’s presence provides stability at the back at a moment when other names remain uncertain, and his selection ends weeks of speculation about whether he would continue after signing only a one-year contract.
Brais Méndez is not in the group, marking the first time in four years that he has not been present for the opening of the club’s summer work. The absence has prompted questions about his immediate plans and whether the club will adjust its summer business if further departures materialize.
Loanees return to Zubieta with futures unresolved
Several players who spent the previous season out on loan have been called back to train, including Javi López, Pacheco, Goti and Carlos Fernández. Those returning will join the group under Matarazzo’s supervision but their long-term status at Real Sociedad remains to be decided as the club evaluates whether they fit into the new coach’s plans.
Pacheco’s situation is complicated by a recent operation at the end of last season, which may limit his early availability for full training. The club will monitor his rehabilitation closely while assessing the quartet of loanees alongside other squad members who could leave or be transferred during the window.
Sanse contingent added to reinforce preseason squad
To compensate for international absences, injuries and the lack of completed transfers, Real Sociedad has called up a sizeable contingent from Sanse, the club’s B team. The development squad will be represented by Fraga, Kita, Beitia, Balda, Lebarbier, Aguirre, Mikel Rodríguez, Carbonell, Dani Díaz, Ochieng, Marchal and Carrera for the opening days of work in Zubieta.
The decision to integrate a dozen academy players is pragmatic and customary at this stage of preseason, offering young talents exposure to first-team routines and an opportunity to impress Matarazzo and his coaching staff. It also provides the senior group with additional bodies for training exercises while the transfer market remains active.
Injury update and immediate fitness concerns
The list highlights a few notable fitness concerns that could shape early preparations. Álvaro Odriozola and Sanse defender Balda are mentioned as recovering from physical issues, and the coaching staff will manage their workloads to avoid setbacks ahead of the season’s start.
Carlos Fernández, while back with the squad, shares fitness uncertainty with Pacheco after undergoing surgery, which may limit his ability to participate fully in the initial sessions. The club’s medical team will coordinate individual programmes to ensure those players regain readiness at an appropriate pace.
Transfers and reinforcements still pending as preseason starts
Real Sociedad will begin training without any confirmed incoming transfers, despite expectations that two or three signings could arrive before the new campaign. The club’s early roster reflects a cautious approach on the market while the coaching staff evaluates the available options and monitors potential exits that could free up space.
Names such as Zakharyan, who is listed among those returning to the fold, and other players who spent time away on loan could be considered in any reshuffle. The summer window’s activity will likely determine whether the coach maintains the current core or adapts the squad with fresh arrivals before competitive fixtures begin.
Staggered returns for internationals and late arrivals
Not all players are required to report immediately; several will join the group later in the week or the following days after completing national team duties or warm-up commitments. Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez and Beñat Turrientes are scheduled to join training next Monday following their work with Spain ahead of the World Cup.
A second wave is expected on Thursday the 9th when those involved in preparatory friendlies arrive, namely Jon Mikel Aramburu, Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson. The staggered reinforcements will allow the staff to integrate returning internationals methodically while sustaining training intensity with the available squad.
The players listed for the opening session are Remiro, Marrero, Aihen, Gorrotxategi, Zubeldia, Barrenetxea, Marín, Carlos Soler, Karrikaburu, Odriozola, Zakharyan, Rupérez, Javi López, Pacheco, Goti and Carlos Fernández representing the first team. The Sanse representatives called up are Fraga, Kita, Beitia, Balda, Lebarbier, Aguirre, Mikel Rodríguez, Carbonell, Dani Díaz, Ochieng, Marchal and Carrera.
The club’s new head coach will use the next weeks at Zubieta to establish his methods, assess the squad’s depth and begin shaping the tactical identity he expects for the season. The blend of established first-teamers, returning loanees and academy prospects gives Matarazzo a wide palette to evaluate while negotiations continue behind the scenes.
Real Sociedad preseason now moves into a preparatory phase where fitness, form and transfer movement will determine the squad available for the club’s early competitive tests. The coming weeks should clarify which loaned players stay, whether any senior figures depart, and which reinforcements arrive to complement Matarazzo’s first full campaign in charge.
