Real Sociedad Close To Signing Duje Caleta-Car From Lyon

Real Sociedad are about to sign Croatian center back Duje Caleta-Car from Lyon. This move will make their defense stronger for the new La Liga season.

DEAL NEARING COMPLETION

Real Sociedad are finalizing the transfer of 28-year-old Duje Caleta-Car. He is expected to join from Lyon in the next few days. Caleta-Car has been important for Lyon, but the club needs money, so they are selling him. His move to Spain will strengthen Sociedad’s defense for both domestic and European games this season.

SOCIETY’S PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT

Real Sociedad finished only 11th in La Liga last season, as confirmed by multiple reports, and was 6 points behind European qualification spots. They conceded 46 goals in 38 matches, one of the worst defensive records in the league. Their defense was mostly good, but they lost important points due to inconsistency, especially against top teams. Caleta-Car, who has played in Ligue 1 and for Croatia, has a lot of experience. He played over 2,000 minutes for Lyon last season, and Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 in the previous season while facing financial issues that have forced them to make significant changes.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEW SEASON

Sociedad will start their 2025/26 La Liga season with a home match against Valencia. Valencia finished 12th last year, level on points, despite being faced with a relegation battle for the first half of the season. Sociedad wants to move higher up the table, and adding a player like Caleta-Car shows their ambition. Lyon, on the other hand, are currently facing relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial issues, which could leave them with a gap in defense if Caleta-Car leaves, as they aim to return to European spots. But the decision has been reverted, they will play in Ligue 1, and will face Lens on the opening game of the new season. Everyone is now watching San Sebastián to see if this transfer will happen before the season starts.