Jon Aramburu: Premier League's Next Defensive Star

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 sharks are circling.

Liverpool and Manchester City are among a growing group of English clubs tracking the Real Sociedad defender, with their scouting focus on the Venezuela international ramping up throughout 2026.

Premier League radar fixed on La Real’s defensive pillar

At 24, Aramburu has built his reputation the hard way. He is a defender first, a throwback in some respects, relishing one-on-one duels and rarely overplaying in dangerous areas. But he is no stay-at-home full-back either. Sociedad have trusted him to step into advanced positions, and his timing in joining attacks has added another layer to his game.

What really appeals to England’s elite is his versatility. Naturally a right-back, Aramburu can also switch to the left when required, giving managers tactical flexibility in a position where depth is notoriously hard to find.

That blend has not gone unnoticed. Multiple Premier League sides have increased their scouting presence at Real Sociedad games this year, with Aramburu’s consistency forcing his name onto recruitment shortlists across England.

Man City and Liverpool run the rule

Manchester City are among the clubs to have taken a close look. As they assess options for a new right-back, the champions have carried out detailed checks on Aramburu, placing him alongside other targets they examined in the summer, including Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Tottenham’s Timo Livramento.

City’s staff have been drawn to his defensive reliability and his comfort on either flank, qualities that fit neatly into a squad built on tactical flexibility. For a club that often tweaks its back line mid-game, that matters.

Liverpool have also done their homework. Sources indicate that the reports heading back to Anfield on Aramburu have been glowing, with his defensive discipline and positional intelligence standing out. The Reds have been combing the full-back market, and his profile has resonated strongly with their recruitment team, who value players able to cover multiple roles without a drop in level.

They are not alone. Tottenham, Newcastle United, Everton and Fulham all ran the rule over Aramburu during the summer window, as interest in his progress at La Real continued to build.

His rise feels even more striking when you trace the route. From Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela, through Real Unión and then Sociedad’s B team, to becoming a key figure for Real Sociedad’s first XI – it is a pathway that has demanded patience and resilience rather than hype.

£50m clause sets the stakes

Any Premier League side hoping to prise him away will know the starting point. Aramburu is tied to Real Sociedad until 2030, a long-term deal that puts the Basque club in a position of strength.

Even so, TEAMtalk understands that the contract includes a release clause of around £50 million. For England’s biggest spenders, that figure is not prohibitive; it is a clear, fixed price for a defender entering his peak years.

Manchester City have already completed their initial checks as they weigh up their right-back options. Liverpool’s assessment has been similarly thorough, with strong internal feedback locked in. Tottenham, Newcastle, Everton and Fulham, having already looked closely at him, could quickly re-enter the picture if one of the heavyweights makes a move.

For now, Aramburu remains fully committed to Real Sociedad, an established and important piece of a side that has turned LaLiga consistency into a habit. But with his reputation soaring and a defined exit clause on the table, the question is no longer whether the Premier League comes calling – it is who blinks first.