Remiro and Marrero contract situations give Real Sociedad goalkeeping headache
La Real facing crucial decisions in 2026 with both first-choice keeper Remiro and backup Marrero approaching final year of contracts next season
Real Sociedad facing crucial decisions about their goalkeeping future as both stoppers enter contract danger zone.
Ticking clock on keeper contracts
The txuriurdin brass at Real Sociedad have got themselves a proper goalkeeper conundrum brewing. Both Álex Remiro and his deputy Unai Marrero have contracts expiring on June 30, 2027, meaning the club must sort extensions this year to avoid losing both keepers for sweet Fanny Adams next summer.
Remiro, who joined La Real on a free from Athletic Bilbao back in 2019, has established himself as one of La Liga’s top custodians. His stellar performances earned him a Spain call-up, naturally attracting admiring glances from bigger clubs over the past couple of transfer windows. Despite the interest, he’s remained in San Sebastián without any fresh contract developments.
Marrero’s rising stock
Meanwhile, Marrero has quietly cemented himself as Remiro’s reliable understudy since 2023. The Azpeitia-born keeper has been cutting his teeth in Copa del Rey ties, where he’s shown significant development. His progress suggests he could potentially become La Real’s first homegrown number one in nearly two decades.
The youngster’s current deal also runs until 2027 - unchanged since his promotion to the first team - despite interest from several clubs seeking loan deals last summer. Real Sociedad rejected these approaches, viewing him as Remiro’s permanent backup.
Wider contract situation
Beyond the goalkeeping department, La Real’s contract situation includes:
- Aritz Elustondo - the only player whose deal expires this summer (excluding loanee Caleta-Car)
- Aihen and Jon Karrikaburu also entering the danger zone in 2027
- Karrikaburu likely to depart on loan during the current January window
- Carlos Fernández, currently on loan at Mirandés, also approaching final contract year
For a club that prides itself on shrewd management, 2026 represents a pivotal year for securing the future between the sticks. Whether they’ll prioritise extending Spain international Remiro or backing academy product Marrero remains the six million dollar question.