Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Maty Ryan has joined Real Sociedad on a two-year contract.
Brighton Keeper Maty Ryan Departs Seagulls
Out of Favour Shot-Stopper Joins Spanish Side
The 29-year-old Australian has enjoyed his time in Sussex since first arriving from Valencia in June 2017.
He now returns to Spain on undisclosed terms having made more than 100 appearances for the Seagulls in the Premier League.
Brighton boss Graham Potter said: “Mat has been a great servant to the Albion over the past four years and on behalf of the club I’d like to place on record our gratitude for his efforts.
“He’s a great guy, top professional and as someone who wants to be playing regularly at senior level he goes to Real Sociedad with our very best wishes.
“He’s been a pleasure to work with, he will be fondly remembered by everyone and always welcome back at the club.”
According to The Argus, Ryan will fight to be the number one shot-stopper at Sociedad in La Lia Santander and the Europa League.
The Aussie goalkeeper has been forced out of the Brighton squad since December – falling behind Robert Sanchez and Jason Steele in the pecking order – before making a loan move to Arsenal.
Discussing his fall from grace, Ryan said in February: “He [Graham Potter] started thanking me for my time at the club, saying you have been a great servant for the club, can’t say a bad word about you, you’ve been professional and all this and I was sort of stunned by it.”
“I had to stop him and clarify it. Gaffer, I understand you are telling me I am not playing for these next couple of weeks but can I still fight for my position at the club or are you showing me the door and telling me I can leave?”
“He said knowing you and how you are as a person and a footballer with a willingness to be playing and contributing to a team, I suggest if you get a good offer in January that you take it.”
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