Karrikaburu's Real Sociedad limbo continues: Two months without a kick
The forgotten Real Sociedad striker Jon Karrikaburu hasn't seen a minute of action under new boss Pellegrino Matarazzo, raising serious questions about his future at the club.
Jon Karrikaburu has become the odd man out at Anoeta, watching from the sidelines as every other Real Sociedad squad member has tasted action under new gaffer Pellegrino Matarazzo. The young forward from Elizondo hasn’t kicked a ball in anger for two months, and his prospects aren’t looking particularly rosy.
From fringe player to complete outcast
Under previous manager Imanol Alguacil, Karrikaburu at least got a look-in during six La Liga matches. He then suffered a muscle injury just as he appeared poised for more minutes with Óskarsson sidelined. His last competitive appearance came under interim boss Jon Ansotegi in the Copa del Rey tie at Elda - and that was a full two months ago.
The January window might have offered an escape route, but no loan deal or permanent transfer materialized. Since then, he’s been training at Zubieta without any match action, occasionally not even making the matchday squad. Bit of a mare, that.
Competition blocking his path
Karrikaburu’s immediate prospects look bleak for several reasons:
- Mikel Oyarzabal’s outstanding form up front
- Óskarsson finding his scoring boots recently
- Gonçalo Guedes providing another striking option
Despite this grim situation, Matarazzo reportedly had some encouraging words for the striker last week, potentially offering a glimmer of hope that he might feature before the season concludes.
Contract situation raises alarm bells
With his current deal expiring in 2027, this summer will be crucial for determining Karrikaburu’s future. The club faces a familiar dilemma with players entering their final year - extract some value through a sale or risk losing him for nothing.
Most concerning for La Real supporters is the looming possibility that Athletic Club could swoop for the striker on a free transfer in 2027, following their established pattern of nabbing Basque talent from regional rivals.