Adnan Januzaj has all-but ruled out a move to Southampton or Brighton in the January transfer window, making it clear in conversation with Sports Finding that he is loving life at Real Sociedad.
Sociedad and the Saints have a few things in common right now.
Both are flying high in their respective leagues with a squad chock-full of ambitious, technically-gifted youngsters, not to mention a free-flowing, forward-thinking style, making two of Europe’s most watchable teams.
While Southampton (briefly) topped the Premier League table for the first time since 1988 after their 2-0 win against Newcastle, Sociedad are sitting pretty in first place over in Spain, three points ahead of Real Madrid, four ahead of Atletico and nine clear of a stuttering Barcelona.
This is already shaping up to be a special season for a Basque side who have added the experience of David Silva to the mercurial talents of Mikels Oyarzabal and Merino.
While HLN suggests that Southampton and Brighton are interested in offering £23 million former Manchester United super-kid Januzaj a return to England, the Belgium international has his sights set on a place in Sociedad history.
“I am very happy here. There are always interested teams but I am very happy in the city,” Januzaj said of life in San Sebastian. “At the moment, I don’t want to leave La Real.
“It is too early to say (whether we can win La Liga) but I see it well this year. You see that Barça or Madrid are losing points too – for them, it is not being easy and we are going game by game, winning every game.”
Januzaj did admit, however, that his decision could be taken out of his hands if Sociedad decide against offering him a contract extension.
His current deal expires in 2022.
“My agent is very calm and so am I. If I stay, it is because they will have offered me a contract and, if not, I will have to leave,” he said.
Januzaj has made six La Liga appearances this season but only two of those have been starts. Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil has preferred the one-man wrecking ball that is Portu rather than the silky Belgian down the right side of late.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
