Jon Aramburu: Premier League's Rising Star from Real Sociedad
Jon Aramburu has gone from quiet success story in San Sebastián to one of the most closely watched full-backs in Europe – and the Premier League’s elite are circling.
TEAMtalk understands Liverpool and Manchester City are among a growing group of English clubs tracking the Real Sociedad defender, whose rise through LaLiga in 2026 has turned heads across recruitment departments.
At 24, Aramburu is very much a defender by instinct. Coaches in Spain rave about his timing in one‑v‑one duels and his willingness to relish the ugly side of the job. He locks on to wingers, wins his battles, then still finds the energy to surge forward and support attacks. That blend has made him one of the most highly rated full-backs in LaLiga this year.
There is more. The Venezuela international offers managers something they crave: options. Naturally a right-back, he can also slot in on the left when required, giving any squad extra flexibility without a drop in level.
Man City and Liverpool step up interest
City have already moved beyond casual admiration. The champions have carried out detailed checks on Aramburu as they weigh up their long-term plans at right-back.
During the summer, the Cityzens ran the rule over several options, including Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Tottenham Hotspur’s Timo Livramento. Aramburu was on that same list, viewed as a serious candidate rather than a late add-on. His defensive reliability, coupled with the ability to operate on either flank, has made him an appealing solution as City continue to scan the market.
Liverpool have also done their homework. Sources indicate the reports landing on the desks at Anfield have been glowing. The Reds have been combing the full-back market for profiles that can both lock down a side and adapt to different shapes. Aramburu fits that brief: strong in duels, tactically disciplined, and versatile enough to plug gaps across the back line.
They are not alone. Tottenham, Newcastle United, Everton and Fulham all took a close look at the Venezuelan during the summer window, as interest in his services steadily intensified.
What makes his rise stand out is the route he took. This is not a youth-academy-to-first-team fairytale at a European giant. Aramburu came through Deportivo La Guaira, moved on to Real Union, then worked his way up via Sociedad’s B team. Now he is an established figure at La Real, a key part of a side that has quietly become one of Spain’s most consistent operators.
A £50m decision waiting in the background
Real Sociedad tied Aramburu down until 2030, a statement that underlines just how highly they value him and leaves the club in a powerful position when the phone inevitably rings.
Buried in that long-term deal, though, sits a clear number. TEAMtalk understands his contract includes a release clause of around £50million, giving Premier League clubs a firm idea of what it would take to bring him over.
City have already completed their initial assessments as they refine their shortlist at right-back. Liverpool’s recruitment team, for their part, have filed strong reports after their own checks.
Add Tottenham, Newcastle, Everton and Fulham to the mix, and the stage is set. If any of those admirers decide to turn interest into a formal bid, a full-scale battle for one of LaLiga’s standout full-backs could break out.
For now, Aramburu remains committed to Real Sociedad and focused on his role in San Sebastián. But with his reputation soaring and a release clause that makes negotiations straightforward, the question is no longer whether the Premier League comes calling – it is who moves first, and how hard they are prepared to push.
