Duñabeitia sees similarities with Athletic and stays red and white at Sporting | OneFootball

Sporting have completed their fourth signing of the season, bringing in centre-back Aimar Duñabeitia on a permanent deal until June 2029. Athletic said in a statement that Sporting paid a fixed fee and that they retain performance-related variables, a sell-on percentage, matching rights and a buy-back option.

He described his first day in Gijón as spectacular and noted many similarities with Athletic. Duñabeitia praised the modern Mareo facilities, saying the club values its academy and that, as in Lezama, he will remain in red and white.

Aimar Duñabeitia Madariaga, born in Gernika on 26-02-2003, came through Athletic’s youth ranks after joining at schoolboy age. He captained Bilbao Athletic, made 71 appearances and won promotion to Primera RFEF.

He said he watched Sporting on television as a child and was thrilled to receive a call from such a historic club. He also underlined the importance of the supporters.

The announcement followed confirmation of Lucas Perrin’s transfer to Nantes. The Marseille-born defender ends his Gijón spell after one season following his arrival last summer, having played 25 matches and scored two goals.

Source: as.com