Real Sociedad determined to keep World Cup star Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay said Monday he will ignore any transfer interest in club captain Mikel Oyarzabal.

The 29-year-old forward scored Spain's second and third goals in Sunday's 4-0 World Cup win over Saudi Arabia to continue an impressive international run that has produced 27 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances.

Oyarzabal is averaging almost a goal a game over his last 12 appearances for Spain, further underlining his importance for both club and country.

Mikel Oyarzabal (front L) of Spain competes against Sidny Lopes Cabral (front R) of Cape Verde during the group H match between Spain and Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)

After selling Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal for substantial fees in each of the previous two summers, Aperribay is reluctant to see another key figure leave San Sebastian.

Oyarzabal captained Real Sociedad to victory in the 2020 and 2026 editions of the Copa del Rey and has spent his entire professional career with the club, scoring more than 130 goals in over 400 appearances across the reserve and senior teams.

"Mikel has many records at Real Sociedad and now also at the World Cup and the fact that he has two titles with Real Sociedad is a tremendous achievement," Aperribay said, adding that he was "calm" about the striker's future.

"We were all confident he would have a great World Cup and score a lot of goals. We hope he keeps healthy and can play a lot more games like Sunday," he said.