Oyarzabal dismisses Barcelona links, eyes World Cup

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal, 29, captain of Real Sociedad, has again been linked with Barcelona ahead of the new season, but he says his priority is the FIFA World Cup. A photo by Justin Setterfield captures Oyarzabal during the tournament. In a Mundo Deportivo interview, Oyarzabal acknowledged the rumours as a positive sign but stressed they do not occupy his thoughts. “If people are talking about it, it’s because they think you’re doing things right, but I don’t attach much importance to it or waste much time on such things,” he said. He added that his focus remains on helping Spain at the World Cup, whether he plays or not. “Right now, I’m focused here, on this World Cup, on trying to help the team in whatever way I can, in the matches to come – whether I’m playing or not – trying to help the team and ensure we do well as a group, which is what really counts,” Oyarzabal explained.

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Regarding his long‑term future at Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal said there is no urgency for a new contract and that he still has two years left on his current deal. “I’m not worried. I’ve said it a thousand times: Real Sociedad and Donosti are my home,” he affirmed. The forward also praised teammate Lamine Yamal, noting the 18‑year‑old’s extraordinary achievements, including his impact at the last European Championship when he was just 16. “I don’t think even he’s fully aware of it, and I don’t think people outside the team realise what it means for an 18‑year‑old,” Oyarzabal remarked. Playing alongside Yamal, Oyarzabal said, creates chaos for opponents and forces Spain’s attack to be more effective. “Playing alongside him makes all the difference. He causes a lot of chaos for the opposition simply by his presence,” he concluded.