Agirrezabala facing Athletic exit after injury-hit Valencia loan | OneFootball

Julen Agirrezabala’s future at Athletic looks likely to be elsewhere, with Edin Terzic overlooking him so far this pre-season. According to El Correo, he has not featured in any friendlies and the club have been exploring an exit for weeks.

A year ago he left Bilbao for Valencia to find minutes, joining on loan with a 10 million euros option that was not used. Under Ernesto Valverde he had kept goal in the cups, winning the Copa del Rey in 2024 after four decades and reaching the Europa League semi-finals.

He started as first choice at Mestalla, then a 6-0 defeat to Barcelona in week four triggered scrutiny. Corberán backed him and kept faith against Athletic the following weekend, when he delivered one of his best displays in a 2-0 win.

The year unravelled. After a loss at Celta in Balaídos on 3 January, he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for almost two months. Nearing a return in late February he damaged his left knee in training, had surgery on 5 March and Dimitrievski took over as his season ended.

Back at Lezama, the picture is stark. His deal runs to June 2027 and the club do not plan to trigger an extension clause. He trains but has been omitted from every squad, and against Racing Álex Padilla played all 90 minutes, signalling Padilla as number two behind Unai Simón.

Both sides seek a quick resolution. Celta prefer a loan with option, Athletic want a sale.

Source: El Correo