Real Sociedad Agree Deal to Bring Duje Caleta-Car on Loan from Lyon

Real Sociedad have reached an agreement to sign Croatian defender Duje Caleta-Car from Olympique Lyon on a loan deal, with the Spanish side covering his full salary and securing a €3 million purchase option that is not mandatory.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old centre-back is set to join Real Sociedad on loan for the 2025/26 season. Sociedad will pay Caleta-Car’s full salary and have a €3 million buy option, but they are not obligated to make the transfer permanent. This move comes as Lyon continue to manage financial pressures, leading to the departure of one of their experienced defenders, as Lyon is facing challenges that have necessitated the sale of players like Caleta-Car according to reports.

WHY SOCIEDAD MOVED FOR CALETA-CAR

Real Sociedad finished 11th in the 2024/25 La Liga season, failing to qualify for any European competitions. Defensive injuries and inconsistent form last season prompted the club to look for experienced reinforcements at the back. Caleta-Car made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon last campaign, scoring two goals. His experience in France, along with spells at Marseille and Southampton, makes him an attractive addition as Sociedad look to solidify their defence for the upcoming season as noted in recent updates.

WHAT NEXT FOR BOTH CLUBS?

Real Sociedad’s first official match of the season is against Valencia in La Liga. The Basque side are aiming to push closer to the European spots once again, after failing to qualify last season. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 in the 2024/25 season but qualified for European competitions, will now focus on rebuilding their squad after another disappointing year. The French side’s next league match is against Lens, where they hope to start stronger this campaign.