Hector Moreno made a big move from PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie to AS Roma in Italy’s Serie A over the summer. The veteran of two World Cups with Mexico appeared to be preparing for the 2018 World Cup by moving to one of the top leagues for defenders in the world. However, after appearing just six times in the first half of the season, a Hector Moreno Real Sociedad move was completed on Wednesday on transfer deadline day.
Moreno's transfer fee to move from Roma to Real Sociedad was $7.44 million (€6 million).
![Hector Moreno Real Sociedad Hector Moreno Real Sociedad](/sites/default/files/u100010536/20180131-The18-Image-Hector-Peace.jpg)
Hector Moreno is saying adios to AS Roma after seven months. Photo: @lockon_cc07 | Twitter
Moreno, a center back who appeared 78 times for PSV over two seasons, including helping the club to the league title in 2016, only played five times for Roma in Serie A competition. That wasn’t going to cut it for Moreno, who, at 30, is eyeing at least one more World Cup appearance. A regular in coach Juan Carlos Osorio’s side, Moreno needed more playing time to ensure full fitness in June for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Ongi etorri @HectorMorenoh!!! #RealSociedad pic.twitter.com/qDxTp8gLjb
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) January 31, 2018
The Hector Moreno Real Sociedad transfer brings the Mexican international to Spain for the second time in his career, having previously played for Espanyol from 2011-2015. That stint was sandwiched by two spells in the Netherlands, first with AZ Alkmaar and then PSV. He won league titles with both Eredivisie clubs.
Real Sociedad has a history of signing Mexican internationals, with Carlos Vela having played for the club before moving to LAFC.
Until his move to Roma in the summer, Moreno was able to find regular playing time wherever he went, including UNAM in Liga MX before he moved abroad at the age of 19. He's appeared for El Tri 88 times.
¡Ahora toca romperla en la @RealSociedad, @HectorMorenoh!¡Te deseamos el mejor de los éxitos!#SoyMéxico pic.twitter.com/S36MY1wIbx
— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) January 31, 2018
With the World Cup five months away, El Tri fans will hope Moreno finds regular playing time with Real Sociedad. Given that the Whites and Blues currently have the fourth-worst defense in the league, it’s likely Moreno can help out right away.