Andoni Gorosabel joins Athletic Club

Athletic Club have signed right-back Andoni Gorosabel with the defender putting pen to paper on a deal keeping him in Bilbao until 30 June 2028.

The 27-year-old arrives as a free agent after his contract at Deportivo Alaves expired. Andoni had a fantastic 2023/24 campaign at Mendizorrotza, making a total of 37 appearances and playing more minutes than any of his former teammates.

"Athletic Club is a big side with a great history. This is another challenge in my career," Gorosabel said about joining the Zurigorri.

"They've always competed for European places and to finish high up LaLiga. This is a beautiful opportunity and I hope to repay the club's trust on the pitch.

"Athletic have a special, highly-valued philosophy. To be so competitive and win trophies with the philosophy is something which attracts a lot of attention from the outside.”
 

🗣️ #OngiEtorriGorosabel

"This is a big club with a great history. To be competitive and win trophies with a unique philosophy has a lot of merit."

"We have exciting challenges ahead and I'm sure if we all work together it will be a great season."#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/52o2rJVOre

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) June 19, 2024

Gorosabel joins Athletic at the peak of his career. Between a six-year spell at Real Sociedad and last season with Alaves, the defender has already played 183 times in the top flight.

During his stint at the Reale Arena, Andoni won the the 2019/20 Copa del Rey and made 146 appearances in total, including 19 appearances in the Europa League, a competition in which Athletic will play next season.

Athletic's director of football, Mikel González, believes the right-back will "complement the type of winger we have here".

He continued: "Andoni had a great season at Alavés. He stands out in attack due to his ability to play in the half spaces and put together passes in the opponent's half.

"He's been playing at the top level for many seasons now and has experience in European competitions."