Manex Lozano joins Racing on loan from Athletic’s third team | OneFootball

Racing have secured the loan of Manex Lozano from Athletic Club’s third team, Baskonia, until 30 June. As reported by as.com, Chema Aragón chose the centre-forward over Urko Izeta, Jon Karrikaburu and Álex Forés.

Baskonia play in Segunda Federación, the same tier as Rayo Cantabria, not in Bilbao Athletic’s Primera Federación. Lozano has one league goal this season and is contracted in Lezama until 2028.

Aragón watched him live before the window opened and sought the deal even before Asier Villalibre’s injury. The move carries an element of risk for the Cantabrian club.

Mikel González, Athletic’s director of football, did not block the exit despite initial doubts. The step up spans two categories, and Athletic had not earmarked him for their B team.

Lozano’s standout return is in the UEFA Youth League, with six goals in six matches for the División de Honor side. The agreement includes a penalty clause for games not played and bonuses for individual and collective milestones in favour of Ibaigane.

He will complement Juan Carlos Arana and Villalibre in attack, with Rayo Cantabria’s forwards scarcely used. Santi Franco has 20 minutes, Sergi Baldrich three goals, and Rodri Ramos is yet to debut. If the paperwork is completed, he could make the squad and will be registered with the B team wearing number 27.

Source: as.com