Racing Santander have reached a verbal agreement with Athletic Club to sign goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala ahead of their return to La Liga. The Rentería-born stopper is expected to become the Cantabrian club’s new number one, though final financial and contractual details remain pending.
Breakthrough in talks
The deal appeared unlikely just days ago. Racing sporting director Chema Aragón publicly admitted during Yassir Zabiri’s presentation that Athletic’s economic demands made the transfer seem unworkable at that stage. However, negotiations progressed swiftly thereafter, with the Bilbao outfit relaxing their conditions to allow the move to advance.
While both clubs have reached a verbal understanding, the agreement is not yet official. Racing are working to iron out the remaining specifics before announcing their new first-choice goalkeeper.
Filling the gloves
The incoming keeper arrives to replace Jokin Ezkieta, who has joined Cádiz. Racing had treated the goalkeeping position as urgent following Ezkieta’s departure, and they view Agirrezabala as a significant capture for their first season back in the Spanish top flight after 14 years.
Despite spending much of his Athletic career behind Spain international Unai Simón, the Rentería-born keeper demonstrated his capabilities in the Copa del Rey and Europa League. He also gained La Liga experience during a loan spell at Valencia last term, though injuries prevented him from establishing himself as an undisputed starter.
What happens next
The move offers Agirrezabala the consistent first-team opportunities that eluded him in Bilbao and Valencia. For manager José Alberto, landing a goalkeeper with proven top-flight pedigree addresses a priority position as the club prepares for life back among the elite.
Athletic will continue with Simón as their established first choice, allowing Agirrezabala to pursue regular football elsewhere. Racing supporters will hope the verbal agreement translates into a formal signing within the coming days, completing one of the more significant deals of a busy summer of squad strengthening.