Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth admits he was expecting a return to Real Sociedad this season.
Sorloth spent last term on-loan at La Real from RB Leipzig, but eventually signed permanently with Villarreal.
He told LaLigaLoca: “The first contact was in April, if I remember correctly, because they were probably going to sell Nicolas Jackson. He was leaving, and I also spoke to La Real about a new contract. We negotiated with both clubs, but we didn't reach an agreement with La Real.
“Villarreal were clear about what they wanted. They said, 'We're going to sell Jackson and then we'll sign you.' They also sold Chukwueze, and the day they sold him was like a boom. We had to get on the plane, they reached an agreement with RB Leipzig and the deal was closed. They were very clear. In football people promise a lot, but this time it went totally according to plan, which I liked him a lot."
He added, “If La Real had come up with a concrete offer, I probably would have stayed there. I really enjoyed my time there.
“I felt more wanted by La Real, but I had a strange feeling with how long the negotiations took. I've been there for two years and, although the first season wasn't that good, the second season was much better. I thought, 'it's weird if they're not sure about my performances now'. I came to the conclusion that it was dragging on and it seemed like maybe there were disagreements within the club. Maybe not everyone wanted me there, but I knew that Imanol Alguacil did want me. He said it himself in our conversations, but the impression was one of uncertainty. So I went to Villarreal."
