Real Sociedad had a golden opportunity to secure the services of the brilliant Norwegian striker, Alexander Sørloth, last summer. With 19 goals and six assists for Villarreal by matchday 36, Sørloth has proven to be one of the best-performing strikers in LaLiga this season. Unfortunately, due to the indecisiveness of Roberto Olabe and Jokin Aperribay, the director of football and president of Real Sociedad, the club missed out on signing Sørloth, who eventually joined Villarreal.
The consequences of Real Sociedad’s failure to sign Sørloth have been significant. The club missed out on a chance to qualify for the Champions League, which could have generated around €85 million in revenue, the highest in the club’s history. Instead, they find themselves struggling to secure a spot in the Europa League. The decision not to sign Sørloth has cost Real Sociedad between €80-100 million, a mistake that could haunt them for years to come.
Sørloth, on the other hand, has flourished at Villarreal, thanks to the faith shown in him by the club. His 25 goal contributions this season have been instrumental in Villarreal’s success, highlighting the missed opportunity for Real Sociedad. Sørloth’s decision to move to Villarreal was driven by the lack of concrete offers from his former club, despite the coach expressing a desire to keep him. The striker’s frustration with the delays ultimately led him to seek a move elsewhere.
The case of Alexander Sørloth serves as a cautionary tale for football clubs regarding the importance of decisiveness in the transfer market. Real Sociedad’s failure to act swiftly and decisively cost them a chance at Champions League qualification and significant financial gains. As the competition for the top spots in LaLiga continues to intensify, clubs must learn from the mistakes of the past and act promptly to secure talented players like Sørloth.
Looking ahead, Villarreal and Sørloth have a bright future together, with the striker poised to lead the charge for the club in the upcoming season. Under the guidance of coach Marcelino, Villarreal has shown significant improvement and is well-positioned to challenge the top teams in LaLiga. As Sørloth continues to excel on the field, Real Sociedad may rue the missed opportunity and the costly mistake that allowed the talented striker to slip through their fingers.
Overall, the Alexander Sørloth affair highlights the importance of swift decision-making and the impact it can have on a club’s success. Real Sociedad’s indecisiveness cost them dearly, while Villarreal and Sørloth have reaped the benefits of a timely and decisive move. In the competitive world of football, every decision counts, and the consequences of hesitation can be far-reaching. The lesson here is clear: act decisively, or risk losing out on greatness.