The 'Zubieta model', based on developing players from the grassroots, has allowed Real Sociedad to achieve successes such as the Copa del Rey and participate in the Champions League. This approach contrasts with the transfer policy of other clubs, including UD Las Palmas, which has made numerous signings in recent seasons.
The San Sebastian club has invested significantly in its facilities, allocating 120 million euros to the renovation of the Reale Arena and the sports city. Furthermore, it boasts a strong social base of 38,000 members and a women's team, elements that strengthen its structure and philosophy.
“"The youth academy is our flag; it is everything!"
Currently, Real Sociedad has 16 players from its academy in the first team, and another eight compete in Europe's top five leagues. According to a report by the CIES Football Observatory, the club ranks fifth with the most active talents in the continent's major leagues.
In contrast, UD Las Palmas, despite having players with a past in its academy, has not seen any youth player debut in the League in the last 37 matchdays. The situation of the reserve team, with changes in technical management, highlights the need for a stronger commitment to the development model.
With a budget of 160 million euros and a salary cap of 128 million, Real Sociedad significantly surpasses the figures of UD Las Palmas, whose budget amounts to 46.6 million and a salary cap of 15.1 million. The average attendance at the Reale Arena is also higher, with 30,919 spectators compared to the 18,455 at the Estadio Gran Canaria.
