Kieran Tierney’s loan move to Real Sociedad aimed to revive his career, and while showing promise, injuries and transfer valuations complicate his future.

With Real Sociedad unwilling to meet Arsenal’s £20m asking price and Tierney expressing mixed feelings about a return, his future hangs in the balance.

Kieran Tierney, once a vital player for Arsenal, is currently revitalising his career on loan at Real Sociedad. Despite initial challenges, he’s proving his worth to the Spanish club.

The future, however, remains uncertain for Tierney regarding a potential return to Arsenal or a continued spell in Spain, with Arsenal purportedly seeking £20m for his transfer. That’s a sum that seems beyond Real Sociedad’s reach. Their record fee paid currently stands at €20m for Umar Sadiq.

Tierney’s season has been interrupted by two major injuries, influencing his form and possibly impacting future transfer negotiations. Financial constraints prevented Real Sociedad from securing a purchase option in his loan deal during negotiations. With his Arsenal contract ending in 2026, a decision looms for the player, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar.

With two years remaining on his Arsenal contract, Tierney has shared his ambivalence about returning to North London, expressing appreciation for his time at Arsenal yet enjoying his current stint in Spain.

“It’s hard to say if the future leads back to Arsenal,” Tierney said in recent interviews. “I loved my time there…I am very grateful to Arsenal. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I am absolutely loving it here [at Real Sociedad]. I feel I have adapted quite well and I hope I can return the faith the club have shown.”

The defender’s satisfaction with his LaLiga experience and indecision about returning to Arsenal suggest a complicated decision lies ahead, particularly if Arsenal chooses to sell him in the upcoming transfer window for £20m.