Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad is set to welcome rising Nigerian footballer Zac Shuaib following the expiration of his contract with Premier League giants Arsenal. The 18-year-old central midfielder, who holds eligibility to represent Nigeria, England, Spain, and India, has reportedly agreed to join Real Sociedad’s C team for the upcoming season.
According to a report by the BBC, Shuaib’s move comes after a promising trial period, including standout performances in the MIC Football tournament in Girona last April. His signing marks a new chapter in the career of a versatile and technically gifted player, who has long been on the radar of European scouts.
Shuaib is expected to feature for Real Sociedad’s C team in Spain’s Tercera Federación, Group 4, providing a platform for the young star to reignite his career after a challenging season marred by injury. Despite setbacks, he managed five appearances in the U18 Premier League with Arsenal before his release in June.
The midfielder’s decision to join the Basque club was influenced not only by footballing opportunities but also by personal ties. With a Gipuzkoan mother and deep roots in the Hondarribia region, Shuaib is no stranger to the Basque Country. He has spent several summers in the area and maintains close family connections through his grandparents, making the move to San Sebastián feel like a return home.
Before his time at Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End Academy, which he joined in March 2022, Shuaib honed his skills at grassroots clubs including Chiswick Youth, Hanwell FC, Focus Football, London Colney Colts, and Tottenham Hotspur. His football journey has been defined by perseverance and adaptability, traits that will serve him well in Spanish football’s competitive landscape.
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Shuaib’s brief stint with Brighton & Hove Albion during a trial earlier this year drew attention from multiple clubs, but it was Real Sociedad that secured his signature. The club’s reputation for developing young talent, including recent stars who have broken into La Liga and the national team, makes it an ideal destination for the midfielder’s next chapter.
As speculation grows about which national team he may choose to represent, Nigeria will be closely watching the progress of the England-born prodigy. His ability to play multiple roles in midfield, coupled with his multicultural background and top-flight academy experience, positions him as a potential asset for any of the four countries he qualifies for.
Real Sociedad’s investment in Shuaib not only adds depth to their development squad but also underscores the club’s long-term vision of nurturing global talent rooted in local connection. His arrival is expected to generate buzz among fans and analysts alike, especially within the Nigerian football community eager to see another bright prospect shine on the European stage.
