Athletic and Eibar ‘close to’ loan for Gift | OneFootball

Athletic and Eibar are in advanced talks over a loan for Elijah Gift, 20. The winger was omitted from Bilbao Athletic’s squad for Friday’s friendly against Zaragoza, a sign his exit is edging closer.

La Cantera de Lezama first reported the move, and the deal could be settled soon. Eibar are currently the frontrunners, although an English club has also shown interest. The presence of former Bilbao Athletic coach Jokin Aranbarri on the Eibar bench is seen as a key pull.

The agreement under discussion is a straight loan with no option to buy. It includes financial clauses under which the second-tier club pays less if he plays regularly.

The move marks a shift in Athletic’s summer plan for Gift. The club initially intended him to alternate between the first team and Bilbao Athletic, but now view a Segunda loan as the best route given the competition for minutes.

Gift began pre-season with the senior squad, featuring in four friendlies against Derio, Leioa, Sestao and Eibar. He logged 145 minutes without a goal or assist, then in August turned out for Bilbao Athletic.

Athletic signed him in July 2023 from Liverpool’s youth ranks for €1.5 million, the first transfer fee under Jon Uriarte. Last season he played 30 games for Bilbao Athletic, scoring two and assisting two.

Source: El Correo

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