Galarreta returns to Athletic Club

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta rejoins Athletic Club, the side where he spent his entire youth career. The midfielder joins as a free agent and has put pen to paper on two-year deal until June 30, 2025, which includes target-based bonuses.

The central midfielder from Eibar made 30 LaLiga appearances (28 as a starter) for RCD Mallorca this season, in addition to two matches in the Copa.

Iñigo first came to Lezama as an under-11, climbing up the ranks before eventually making his debut as a Lion, under Marcelo Bielsa, in a 2011/12 Europa League away match against Paris St Germain.

Hampered by a serious knee injury, the talented footballer was only made nine senior appearances in his first spell at the Zurigorri, during which time he went out on loan to LaLiga Smartbanks sides CD Mirandés, Real Zaragoza and CD Leganés, before signing permanently for CD Numancia. 

Galarreta then joined FC Barcelona B, where Ernesto Valverde would regularly call him up to train and play friendly matches with the first team.

From there, he continued to fulfill his potential, becoming an important player at UD Las Palmas before joining RCD Mallorca, who let him spend one further season on loan with the Canary Islanders.

He has had a very successful spell as a Bermellon. He helped the side achieve promotion in the first of his three seasons in the Balaeric Islands and has been a regular starter while they consolidated their top-flight status over the last two seasons.