Real Sociedad are closing in on the signing of Duje Caleta-Car from Olympique Lyon, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the 28-year-old Croatian defender is on the verge of completing his move to the Basque club. The centre-back will join Real Sociedad on a loan deal that includes significant financial benefits for the Spanish side.
Romano’s exclusive report confirms that all parties are close to finalizing the agreement that will see Caleta-Car leave Lyon after a difficult period in France. The Croatian international has fallen down the pecking order at the Groupama Stadium and needs a fresh start to revive his career.
Loan Structure Benefits Real Sociedad
The deal has been structured as a loan arrangement with Lyon covering Caleta-Car’s full salary, making the move financially attractive for Real Sociedad. This setup allows the Spanish club to acquire an experienced defender without taking on the burden of his wages during the loan period.
Additionally, Real Sociedad have secured a €3 million buy option clause that is not mandatory, giving them complete control over the player’s future. This flexibility means they can assess Caleta-Car’s performances throughout the season before deciding whether to make the move permanent.
Croatian Seeks Fresh Start After Lyon Struggles
Caleta-Car’s time at Lyon has not gone according to plan since his permanent move from Southampton. The 28-year-old has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and lost his place in the team during the latter part of last season, making only 19 appearances in Ligue 1.
His situation became untenable as Lyon looked to refresh their squad for the new campaign. The Croatian defender found himself surplus to requirements and needed to find a new club where he could play regular football and rebuild his confidence.
Real Sociedad Target Defensive Reinforcement
The move comes at a perfect time for Real Sociedad, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new La Liga season. The Basque club identified Caleta-Car as an ideal addition to their squad due to his experience and proven ability at the highest level.
Manager Imanol Alguacil has been keen to add depth to his defensive department, and Caleta-Car’s arrival provides competition for places while offering tactical flexibility. The Croatian’s experience in different leagues makes him a valuable asset for Sociedad’s European ambitions.
Financial Terms Favor Spanish Club
The financial structure of the deal works heavily in Real Sociedad’s favor. With Lyon covering the player’s full salary and the buy option being non-mandatory, Sociedad essentially get a free trial of an experienced international defender.
This arrangement reflects Lyon’s desperation to move Caleta-Car off their wage bill while giving him opportunities to play elsewhere. The French club’s willingness to subsidize the loan shows how eager they are to resolve the situation.
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International Experience Adds Value
Caleta-Car brings valuable international experience to Real Sociedad, having represented Croatia at senior level. His experience in major tournaments and competitive matches should help Sociedad in their European competitions and domestic challenges.
The defender has played in multiple top European leagues, including spells in France, England, and previously in Germany. This diverse experience means he should adapt quickly to Spanish football and La Liga’s tactical demands.
Career Rehabilitation Opportunity
For Caleta-Car personally, the move to Real Sociedad represents a chance to rehabilitate his career after a disappointing period at Lyon. At 28, he still has several good years ahead of him and needs regular playing time to maintain his international prospects with Croatia.
The loan arrangement removes pressure from the player while allowing him to focus purely on his football. If he performs well, the reasonable buy option gives Sociedad an affordable path to making the deal permanent.
Lyon Clear Wage Bill Commitment
From Lyon’s perspective, the deal helps them clear a significant portion of their wage bill while giving Caleta-Car a chance to showcase his abilities elsewhere. The French club can focus on other areas of their squad while maintaining some connection to the player through the loan arrangement.
The agreement also keeps the door open for potential future negotiations if Caleta-Car performs exceptionally well in Spain. However, the non-mandatory nature of the buy option means Lyon have little control over the final outcome.
Spanish Football Offers New Challenge
Moving to La Liga provides Caleta-Car with a new challenge and the opportunity to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. Spanish football’s technical emphasis and tactical sophistication could suit his playing style better than his recent experiences in France.
Real Sociedad’s playing philosophy and their focus on developing players could be exactly what Caleta-Car needs to rediscover his best form. The club has a strong track record of helping players revive their careers, making this an ideal destination for the Croatian defender.
The completion of this deal will mark the end of Caleta-Car’s troubled spell at Lyon and the beginning of what he hopes will be a successful chapter in Spanish football.
