Jon Martín, the 20‑year‑old centre‑back who has become one of Europe’s most sought‑after young defenders, said he will remain at Real Sociedad for the foreseeable future despite interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and several Premier League giants. Speaking to Adam Bate on the eve of the Basque derby against Athletic Club, the 2026‑27 La Liga campaign’s standout defender explained that the club feels like home and that the support of coach Pellegrino Matarazzo and his father keeps him grounded.
The Spanish international has been with Real Sociedad since he was 12, and he described the sense of belonging that comes with being part of the club’s culture. “I have always said that this is my home,” he told Bate. “At the end of the day, the feeling of belonging and of wanting to be here is something I feel from inside. So, as I said, I feel this is my home. It is where I want to be.” Martín acknowledged the buzz around him, noting that the interest from top clubs is a natural consequence of his performances, but he remains focused on his current team.
A technically gifted ball‑playing defender, Martín has already earned a place in Spain’s senior squad, making his debut in the summer of 2026. Analysts point to his solid defensive metrics—above average in La Liga for his age—and his ability to play a long‑term partnership with Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the national team’s defence. He was instrumental in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey triumph in April, where the club’s new coach, Pellegrino Matarazzo, praised the young defender’s growth under a more positive, attacking style of play. “I am very happy working with this coach,” Martín said. “He sees that we are a very brave team and that we like to do daring things. What I like about him is that he is very close to us and he is a coach that we can really trust.” The trust has been rewarded with regular starts, including five of his first 27 appearances in the high‑pressure derby against Athletic Club.
Martín’s personal connection to the club runs deeper than football. His father, a former Real Sociedad player whose career was cut short by injury, remains a pillar of support. “My father is an important pillar for me,” he said. “I talk to him before the matches so that he can recommend things and he can tell me things. He is someone I can talk to calmly about anything that could happen out there.” The family bond, coupled with the club’s ambition—Real Sociedad are favourites for the Europa League and will contest the Spanish Super Cup—reinforces Martín’s decision to stay.
With the derby looming, Martín expressed excitement for the match and confidence in the team’s preparation. “The derby is a special match for us. It is true rivalry with tremendous passion. We are really excited for it. With these matches, there is always a lot of feeling behind it. We are getting our mindset together as a team and we are planning to win.” As Real Sociedad look to build on their recent successes, Martín’s commitment to the club signals that he will continue to develop his reputation on home soil before any potential moves materialise.