The signing Takefusa Kubo this summer allowed Real Sociedad to open up a market they had not yet explored: Japan. Interestingly, now the txuri-urdin team may lose a highly valued member of Imanol Alguacil's staff , who could be leaving to embark on this exotic adventure.
This concerns analyst Beñat Labaien, who, according to the Japanese newspaper Sports Nippon – Sponichi Annex, is close to signing with Tokushima Vortis , a team in Japan's second division, J2. His current coach, Daniel Poyatos, has signed with Gamba Osaka in the top tier.
The aforementioned media outlet reports that discussions with Labaien are "in their final phase," and his signing could be made official in the coming hours. Therefore, Real Sociedad may be forced to restructure Imanol Alguacil's staff during this break due to the Qatar World Cup.
A globetrotter with four years at Real Sociedad
However, Labaien is best known for his work as an analyst. First with the Spanish U-17 national team, then with Real Madrid's U-16 and U-18, and later with clubs like Elche and Leeds United.
But if there is something that has excelled has been by your side analyst. First in the Spanish under-17, then in the Cadet of Real Madrid and also in teams like Elche or Leeds United.
In the summer of 2018, he joined Real Sociedad under Asier Garitano, but his responsibilities grew even more when Imanol Alguacil took over as the head coach. Labaien became a regular presence on the training pitch during sessions.
Now, he is set to begin a new adventure away from home, with a team that is one of the top contenders in Japan’s second division and has even played two seasons in the top tier, the most recent one in 2021.
Source: The Clear
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