Premier League clubs eye Mikel Santos amid second-tier loan interest | OneFootball

Mikel Santos, Athletic’s third-choice goalkeeper and the B-team starter, is drawing Premier League attention after a string of eye-catching displays, while second-tier clubs are already pushing for a summer loan.

According to as.com, several Premier League sides have enquired about his situation. The 21-year-old is tied to Athletic until June 2028 with a 30 million release clause.

Santos shone again on Sunday against Zamora at Lezama, making three key stops and showing composure with his feet to wrong-foot forwards. He had earlier frustrated leaders CD Tenerife with similar authority.

Ernesto Valverde rates him highly and he trains regularly with the first team, alongside multiple call-ups. Santos intends to remain at the club and seek a loan in the second tier this summer to secure minutes.

Pre-season promises a crowded goalkeeping department, with Unai Simón set, Padilla in the group and Agirrezabala due back from his loan at Mestalla. Valencia do not have the resources to pay 12 million for the Rentería goalkeeper.

In Primera Federación, Santos is powering the B team towards the promotion play-offs. In England, a future investment is not ruled out by clubs that favour this profile, as seen previously with Kepa Arrizabalaga or David Raya.

Bilbao-born, he joined Lezama aged nine from Danok Bat and climbed the ladder to the B team, with a brief return to Mallona. He has appeared on a preliminary Spain Under-21 list alongside Peio Canales, now on loan at Racing, though he was not ultimately called up.

Source: as.com