It was surprising to hear David Moyes speak candidly about his desire for Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard to join Real Sociedad once his time at Anfield is up. But upon reflection, this winter transfer window is likely to differ greatly from those which have preceded it. Atletico Madrid have already done business, as have Valencia, who can now splash the cash.
And for two of today’s opponents the winter window is likely to feel different as well. Barcelona, despite their financial muscle, are powerless, while Real Sociedad, after a severe dip in form, languish in 16th may recruit heavily. The outlook seems bleak for Moyes after the first few matches, and the hammering by Villarreal after a late surge of goals has done little to help. But it may serve as a wake-up call to Moyes and those behind the scenes that January spending is not an option – it is a necessity.
As we enter a period where numerous players will be linked with La Liga clubs, La Real are no different. Given his history, many believe Moyes will ‘raid the Premier League,’ with Arouna Kone, Mohamed Salah, Emre Can and Adan Januzaj all mooted as potential targets.
Despite the desperate need to recruit and improve, Moyes needs to be shrewd. His club are by no means a financial powerhouse, and may not have a significant amount to spend, despite making significant profit from the sales of Antoine Griezmann and Asier Illarramendi. Last winter, Sociedad picked up Sergio Canales for a mere €3m, an investment which so far looks to have paid off. Similarly astute signings are required, whilst also acquiring players with proven quality.
One man they are yet to replace is someone likely to line up against them on Sunday – Claudio Bravo. The Chile goalkeeper left the Basque country to compete with Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the No.1 spot at Barcelona, a battle he is winning with ease. Enaut Zubikarai has taken up the reigns since, but young Argentine Geronimo Rulli is staking a claim for a regular place.
The gaping hole left by Griezmann’s departure is still evident. The Frenchman has provided a timely reminder of his immense quality, scoring five times in the last two matches for Atletico Madrid. Alfred Finnbogason was supposed to be the man to chip in with the goals, scoring for fun at Heerenveen, but is yet to find the back of the net in the League.
This forces an over-reliance on Carlos Vela, who is currently the team’s top scorer, to get the goals. Sociedad have only scored two or more goals in a League match four times this season. And therein lies the problem – goals win games, and Sociedad simply do not score enough.
Win or lose, it’s a match unlikely to influence much with regard to transfer policy. Moyes put on a brave face to the media and believes his side can pull off an upset against Barcelona, which is far from impossible, given their exploits against both Madrid sides earlier this season. It is a feat they are more than capable of, and makes the thought of relegation seem bizarre, especially for a side who were in the Champions League just over a year ago. Yet the possibility is all too real, certainly if they do not pick up the pace in 2015.
