Duje Caleta-Car Set for Real Sociedad Loan Move with Option to Buy

Duje Caleta-Car will likely join Real Sociedad on loan from Olympique Lyon. The Spanish club can buy him for €3 million. The deal may be announced after his medical exam in San Sebastián today, with Real Sociedad having agreed to pay Caleta-Car’s full salary and the buy option.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Sociedad is close to signing 28-year-old Caleta-Car on a season-long loan. They need a strong defense for the new LaLiga season. The deal lets them buy him next summer for €3 million. Caleta-Car played 24 matches for Lyon last season, scoring two goals, but was not a regular starter. Now he wants to start fresh in Spain. Lyon needs to cut costs and wants to give other players a chance to play, as they are facing relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial issues but these issues have since been resolved and Lyon will be staying in the Ligue 1.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS FOR REAL SOCIEDAD

Real Sociedad struggled last season as they finished 11th last season, missing European qualification. The team needs more squad depth after some players left this summer, and Caleta-Car’s experience is important. The Croatian international has played nearly 400 senior matches and has a history of playing in big European competitions. His tactical awareness and physical presence can help Sociedad keep their defense strong as they aim to earn a spot in European tournaments again this season.

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BOTH CLUBS

For Real Sociedad, this signing comes as the team prepares for its LaLiga opener against Valencia in 2 weeks. Fans expect Caleta-Car to adapt quickly, and he could debut in the Getafe clash. For Lyon, his departure helps their finances, contributing to their strategy of offloading players to remain competitive and improve their finances as they prepare for another Ligue 1 season, after finishing 6th last time around.