Athletic forced to sell Gorosabel at a discount due to market pressure

Athletic Club finds itself in a weak negotiating position over the departure of Óscar Gorosabel. According to MARCA, the right-back, contracted until 2028, is no longer part of the club's first-team plans and is seeking a move, but the transfer window calendar is working against the Basque side.

The approaching deadline and the need to reduce squad size and wage bill are forcing Athletic to accept terms below their initial asking price. The club also failed to secure European football this season, cutting expected revenues and intensifying the pressure to balance the books.

Candidates and scenarios

Racing and Osasuna, both short of right-back cover, are the main contenders. Negotiations suggest an outright transfer is most likely, though a loan with unilateral purchase option—with both clubs sharing wage costs—remains on the table.

Athletic has the means to keep Gorosabel, but leaving him sidelined on the bench until January would suit no one. The deal will be done before the window closes, just at a price well below what the club had hoped for.