Manex Lozano turned down Osasuna to join Athletic | OneFootball

Manex Lozano’s rise has been abrupt, the Athletic loanee at Racing Santander making an instant impact and shining again on Sunday.

As reported by as.com, the 18-year-old has quickly become a focal point for Racing’s attack. Within five hours of landing in Santander he headed past Real Zaragoza. In the Copa del Rey against Barça he had two efforts ruled out for tight offsides.

On Sunday he stood out for the Segunda leaders, pinning centre-backs and linking play. Iñigo Vicente’s 13th assist released him to score with a run in behind. Joan García’s strong save that once prevented extra time at El Sardinero now feels a footnote.

Pace, power and the movement of a number nine continue to win over El Sardinero, who chanted his name when José Alberto López withdrew him late on. Left-footed and 1.91m, he hurts teams in behind and was undaunted by Cubarsí or Eric García.

Born in Pamplona in 2007, Lozano was identified by Athletic’s scouting unit, led by Mikel González and run by Raúl Loroño, while at Oberena, a Pamplona club aligned with Ibaigane. He joined Lezama in July 2023 at 15 alongside centre-back Álex Carril, now at Basconia.

Lozano turned down Osasuna to choose Athletic. His deal was later extended by three years to 2029, with a clause around 20 million to deter suitors. From the same Oberena crop came Beñat García Goñi, currently sidelined with a hamstring at Bilbao Athletic, and Pablo Iturria.

Source: as.com