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Athletic Club sign Robert Navarro

Athletic Club sign Robert Navarro

The 23-year-old forward arrives on a free transfer after leaving RCD Mallorca and signs a deal until 2030

Athletic Club have signed Robert Navarro as a free agent, with the forward agreeing a five-year contract, which will run until 30 June 2030.

The 23-year-old's youth career saw him pass through the academies at CA Osasuna, FC Barcelona, AS Monaco and Real Sociedad, joining the latter's reserve team as a 17-year-old. Added to that, he has lined-up for every Spanish national team from Under-16 to Under-21 level.

Navarro has played 89 matches in the top flight over the past three seasons, in addition to gaining experience in the Europa League, where he has scored twice.

Robert's last club was RCD Mallorca, where last season he made 25 appearances either as an attacking midfielder or winger. 

"It's an important step in my career. I'm very excited to be here," Robert said about signing for Athletic.

"The club is growing in all areas and I like that a lot because it shows a lot of ambition. I'm really looking forward to starting training, getting to know the team and working hard to help the team achieve its goals."
 


Athletic's director of football, Mikel González, hailed Robert's arrival as a "great opportunity", singling out the player's extensive experience despite his age.

He continued: "He's technically brilliant, two-footed, and is very skillful with the ball at this fee. He feels comfortable on both wings, but mostly plays in more central areas."

Although his parents are from Pamplona, Navarro was born in Barcelona when his father, Roberto, played for L'Hospitalet. Roberto moved to the Catalan club after graduating from Osasuna and playing for Sant Andreu. When he retired from football, the family moved back to Pamplona, where young Robert began to attract attention at Irabia futsal club before joining CA Osasuna at under-12 level in 2011.

His early progression earned him a move to FC Barcelona. However, he left to move to AS Monaco, where, under Thierry Henry, he became the youngest debutant in the club's history at 16 years old.

Navarro then moved to Real Sociedad, becoming in their reserve team Sanse as Xabi Alonso led the side to promotion to the second division. Robert made a first-team debut in his second season at the club.

He saw further senior action in 2022/23, making 26 appearances under Imanol Alguacil. After a loan spell at Cadiz CF where he played 30 times, the attacking midfielder signed a one-year deal with RCD Mallorca.

Robert Navarro's official unveiling as a new Athletic Club player will take place when pre-season training begins.