Overview
- On Thursday, July 9, Mikel Oyarzabal told El Chiringuito that players can refuse Barcelona, saying he is happy in San Sebastian and can turn down the club.
- Oyarzabal is a long-serving Real Sociedad captain with 133 goals in 437 appearances and has scored 16 goals in his last 17 Spain games, including four at the 2026 World Cup.
- Barcelona continue to prioritise Julián Álvarez but Atlético have signalled they do not want to sell, so sporting director Deco is tracking alternatives such as Oyarzabal and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi.
- A transfer for Oyarzabal would be complicated by his long-term contract and a reported €75 million release clause while Kroupi would likely command a fee near €100 million.
- Oyarzabal stopped short of an absolute rejection by saying football can change quickly, a stance that preserves his family stability in San Sebastian and gives Real Sociedad leverage in any future talks.