Racing seals Agirrezabala signing from Athletic

Chema Aragón has completed the signing of Julen Agirrezabala from Athletic Club. The Racing sporting director had the Basque goalkeeper as his «first choice» for the Santander club's goalkeeping position and has finally pulled off the deal after convincing the Bilbao side.

This is Aragón's second attempt to sign Agirrezabala. At his presentation at El Sardinero, the director revealed he had previously tried to bring him in when he was at Mirandés: «It was a situation where we were waiting to see if Unai Simón would leave». Just a week earlier, Aragón had claimed it was «practically impossible» to sign the keeper on Athletic's terms. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, «circumstances changed after that point, benefiting everyone».

Aragón did not disclose the exact figures of the transfer, only saying it was not easy to «match the numbers of a club like Athletic with one of their jewels». Transfermarkt reports the deal was closed for around €4.5 million. The sporting director praised the goalkeeper as «brave» and highlighted his «excellent attributes», though he stressed he needs «a full year playing, to be the keeper for 30 consecutive matches» to fulfill his potential.