Unai Gómez signs for Udinese until 2031 | OneFootball

Athletic confirmed the sale of Unai Gómez to Udinese, the midfielder signing until 30 June 2031 for a fee between four and five million.

The announcement came on the day Terzic began work at Lezama, with negotiations concluded only days after the first details emerged. It is viewed as the first significant strategic step of the German coach’s tenure at San Mamés.

Gómez departs after three seasons in the first team under Ernesto Valverde. He made 117 appearances for Athletic and lifted a Copa.

The agreement adds performance-related bonuses, a sell-on percentage and a right of first refusal to the fixed amount.

At 23, he heads to Serie A seeking the continuity the current squad puzzle denied him. Athletic’s midfield is crowded, with Sancet holding the No 10 role and options ranging from the experienced Ruiz de Galarreta to the consolidation of Mikel Jauregizar and returning loanees such as Beñat Gerenabarrena.

Another factor is Peio Canales, back from a standout loan at Racing after being among Segunda’s best performers last season. He returns to Lezama as a priority for Terzic, and the sporting department has cleared space by letting Gómez move on, his progression in Bilbao appearing to have plateaued despite his late importance under Valverde.

Source: El Correo