Real Sociedad set to sign former Bayern Munich centre-back

Mats Hummels, the former centre back for Borussia Dortmund, has finally decided on his future, according to Fabrizio Romano. Hummels would join Real Sociedad to take Robin Le Normand's place, who left to join Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer. Despite his age, there aren't many better replacements available on a free like this.

After Real Sociedad's season-opening victory at RCD Espanyol on Saturday night, a significant signing seems set to go through. La Real intensified their chase of Mats Hummels this past week. After his contract with Borussia Dortmund expired, the 35-year-old defender became a free agent. He has since spoken with representatives of the Basque team, and a basic understanding has been reached.

Hummels is set to sign an agreement for one year with the possibility of an extra year. The plan is for the contract to be formalised on Monday, which would allow him to play in La Real's upcoming La Liga match on Wednesday night against Alaves.

It is common knowledge that Hummels has been in great demand throughout Europe ever since leaving the Westfalenstadion after the conclusion of the previous campaign. Where the 35-year-old would be playing this season remained a mystery for as long as possible, with interest from the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, as well as Bundesliga.

Mats Hummels set to move away from Germany for the first time

However, it seems like the 2014 World Cup winner has chosen to sign with Real Sociedad, despite demand from RCD Mallorca, Bologna, Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as Bayer Leverkusen. The defender, who has spent his whole career in the Bundesliga, is making his first move outside of Germany as he tries to support Real Sociedad in both domestic and UEFA Europa League competitions.

After having a disagreement with former manager Edin Terzić, who eventually moved on, Mats Hummels had a fantastic 2023–2024 campaign but felt it was time to move on. It's possible that Hummels continues to have something to provide a strong team, but he needs to get ready even more to make sure he's ready for whoever signs him in the end.