Julen Agirrezabala extends Athletic Club contract until 2027
Julen Agirrezabala extends Athletic Club contract until 2027
The Copa-winning keeper, whose previous deal was set to expire in 2025, has signed a two-year extension with the option of adding two further years
Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, the Copa final penalty shootout hero, has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Lions until 30 June 2027.
This agreement, which includes a clause for Athletic to extend it until 2029, sees the club secure the goalkeeping position for the next few years as last week Unai Simón signed a new deal lasting until 2029.
Julen spoke to club media about his new deal, saying "it was a tremendous joy to continue at the club which has given him so much".
He continued: "Winning the Copa was incredible, but we can't stand still. Next year we've got important challenges in different competitions."
As for the competition with Unai Simón for the no.1 spot, Julen reiterated that it is "healthy" and "a positive factor for Athletic Club".
🎙️ #Agirrezabala2027
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) May 31, 2024
"Winning the Copa was incredible, but we can't stand still."
"Next year we've got important challenges in different competitions."
"The competition with Unai Simón is healthy and positive. We push each other and that's good for Athletic." pic.twitter.com/cBY7joDLAV
The contract signing took place on Friday morning at San Mames, with Athletic's legendary shotstopper Jose Iribar present alongside club president Jon Uriarte and director of football Mikel González.
Julen has agreed to this new deal on a symbolic date, the 44th anniversary of Iribar's testimonial, a match between Athletic and Real Sociedad at San Mames.
Athletic Club's commitment to Julen Agirrezabala is growing stronger. The loyalty is mutual. The 23-year-old goalkeeper from Renteria, who joined Athletic from Antiguoko KE at under-19 level, has already made 36 appearances as a Lion.
Twenty of his matches have come in the Copa, a competition in which he has had great moments during his three seasons in the first team, including two semi-finals and this season's final against RCD Mallorca, where he made vital saves throughout the 120 minutes and kept out Manu Morlanes in the penalty shootout.
In line with the Board of Directors's policy, Agirrezabala's contract contains a fixed salary structure with a variable component linked to achieving certain objectives.
