Deportivo Football Club is currently in the process of building their team for the upcoming 2024-2025 season in the Second Division after securing promotion. One of the consequences of this promotion is the extension of Mario Soriano’s contract for another season. The 22-year-old forward from Madrid had a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free if the Coruña club did not return to professional football this season, but since they did, his contract was automatically extended for another year.
Currently, decisions and movements regarding Soriano are on hold as he is participating in the promotion playoff to La Liga with Eibar, the club he was loaned to last summer. His integration into the team and the Second Division has been seamless, with him being a regular starter this season. Soriano has played 41 La Liga games, starting in 38 of them (3,055 minutes and scoring three goals). Eibar is set to play the second leg of the playoff semifinals against Oviedo, following a goalless draw in the first leg. The outcome of a potential promotion could be crucial for Soriano’s future, as he has the full confidence of the Eibar coach.
Once all the pieces are in place, Deportivo will make their move. With a release clause exceeding five million euros, negotiations will be necessary for any decision. If Deportivo chooses to keep him, the likely option is to extend his contract to avoid losing him for free in June 2025. If Soriano intends to leave, it could open the door for a transfer that would compensate for the sporting gap, the investment made by the Coruña club when they bought him in 2022, and the percentage that Atletico Madrid would receive in a potential sale.
The loan to Eibar did not sit well with Deportivo, who wanted to retain Soriano. The player left due to a clause in his contract, and the club argued it was his personal decision. The Coruña club released a statement on their website, and Fernando Soriano, the sporting director, explained their position. On the other side, Eibar’s president, Amaia Gorostiza, acknowledged that Soriano should return to Deportivo after their promotion to the Second Division but also hinted that the player’s future is still uncertain.
As the situation unfolds, Deportivo will need to make a decision regarding Soriano’s future, balancing financial considerations with the player’s desires and the club’s needs. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Soriano stays with Deportivo, moves to another club, or continues his journey with Eibar. Fans and stakeholders alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this dilemma.