Oyarzabal talks Barca transfer links & Yamal support system at World Cup

Spain v Saudi Arabia: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

Mikel Oyarzabal has opened up on the relentless speculation surrounding his future as reported interest from Barcelona continues to swirl. The Real Sociedad captain remains a pillar of the Spain national team, using his experience to navigate both transfer talk and the meteoric rise of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Ignoring the Barcelona noise

Despite rumours linking him to Barcelona, Oyarzabal insists he is not distracted during Spain's World Cup run. The 29-year-old, long the face of Real Sociedad, is coming off a stellar 2025-2026 season where he scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 40 appearances.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Oyarzabal stated regarding the Barca links: "If people are talking about me, it's because they think I'm doing things right, but I don't pay much attention to it or waste time on those things. Right now, I'm focused here, on this World Cup, on trying to help the team in any way I can, in the upcoming matches, whether I'm playing or not, trying to help the team and make sure things go well for the group, which is what matters."

Real Sociedad v Atletico de Madrid - Copa Del Rey Final

Commitment to Real Sociedad

Questions over a potential exit inevitably circle back to Oyarzabal's 'one-club man' status at Real Sociedad, where he has racked up 437 appearances, 133 goals, and two Copa del Rey titles. With two years left on his contract, the forward is in no rush to force a move or enter talks while on international duty.

"I'm calm. I've said it a thousand times, Real Sociedad and San Sebastián are my home. It's my safe haven, where I grew up, and Real Sociedad is the club that gave me the opportunity to be here today," he explained. "So, in that respect, I'm calm, without going crazy. We haven't talked about a renewal yet. I have two years left on my contract and there's still a long way to go."

Protecting Yamal

While Oyarzabal handles his own future with composure, he is keen to protect his 18-year-old teammate, Yamal, from intense global scrutiny. Despite his youth, Yamal has already become Spain's focal point, boasting 27 caps, seven goals, and 12 assists, following his pivotal role in their Euro 2024 triumph. Oyarzabal believes the squad's veterans have a duty to shield the Barcelona starlet.

"I think he probably isn't fully aware of it himself, and I don't think people outside the club are fully aware of what it means for him to be 18," Oyarzabal said. "And I can't even imagine what happened at the last European Championship when he was 16, what it means for a kid his age to do what he does and generate what he generates. So, I think it's up to us, to you, to everyone, to look after him, to try to make him feel good, to make him feel supported, because I think at that age, if you don't have stability and a level head, everything can become unstable. And I think it's everyone's responsibility, obviously his, but everyone's responsibility to try to help him along that path."

Spain v Saudi Arabia: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

The impact of Yamal on the pitch

Beyond the off-field mentorship, Oyarzabal is quick to praise the tactical advantage Yamal provides to the Spanish attack. The chemistry between the two was evident in their recent victory over Saudi Arabia, where Oyarzabal provided the assist for the teenager's goal, noting that the youngster's unique skillset creates opportunities for everyone else in the final third.

"Playing with him makes all the difference. He creates a lot of chaos for the opponent simply with his presence, simply with what he can do," the Real Sociedad star concluded. "And in the end, we have to try to benefit from that and try to find what he creates and what we can do individually, to take advantage of what he does."