Right-back Andoni Gorosabel is on the verge of becoming a new RCD Espanyol player after reaching a preliminary agreement with the Perico club. The deal, reported on Tuesday by the newspaper Marca, is only pending the player's medical examination and the exchange of documentation between the clubs.
RCD Espanyol, sitting 11th in La Liga with 3 points after a season start of one win and two losses, is looking to strengthen its defense. Gorosabel's arrival would follow the departure of right-back Rubén Sánchez, whose registration was released on Monday. The team prepares for its next home match against Sevilla, sixth in the table, on September 6th.
What does Gorosabel bring to Espanyol?
Andoni Gorosabel, aged 29, would bring top-flight experience. This would be his fourth club in La Liga after wearing the shirts of Real Sociedad, Alavés, and Athletic Club. His contract with the Bilbao side ran until 2028, but his exit has been facilitated by Athletic's need to adjust their squad. The player did not train with his teammates on Tuesday at Lezama, a clear sign of his imminent departure.
His signing addresses a specific need at right-back. The team has conceded 4 goals in its first three league games, despite scoring 5. Defensive solidity will be key to climbing the standings, especially being 6 points behind leaders Barcelona. Gorosabel arrives to compete for that position and add stability.
Why was the operation delayed?
The transfer market has been particularly slow for Athletic Club this season. According to Marca's information, the Basque club has tightened conditions for departures to the maximum, delaying several operations. Cases like those of Unai Gómez and Julen Agirrezabala were affected by this same policy. Athletic's goal is to convince several players that their future lies outside Lezama, as part of an economic adjustment plan with only two competitions this campaign.
This situation created a domino effect that ultimately benefited RCD Espanyol. Athletic's need to lighten its wage bill and squad has allowed negotiations for Gorosabel to advance in recent days. The player thus becomes a market opportunity for the Pericos.
Who else could leave Athletic?
The list of possible departures from Athletic is not limited to Gorosabel. Other names have been strongly linked in recent hours. Midfielder Imanol García de Albéniz, 'Vencedor', trained alone at the start of pre-season and, although he later joined collective work, the club has not assigned him a squad number. He has options to sign for Burgos, but it is not the only possible route.
Furthermore, players Adama Boiro and Tiago Djaló, considered short-term options by manager Niko Terzic, did not participate in the first preparatory session after the break following the victory at Balaídos. Adama, 24, signed in January 2024 for 2 million euros from Osasuna and is under contract until 2029; his exit would be a loan. Djaló, meanwhile, was already loaned out last season after a subdued debut following his 15 million euro fixed signing from Braga.
Right-back Álex Serrano is another footballer seeking an exit. The transfer window closes soon and Athletic has work to do to finalize its squad. For RCD Espanyol, the priority is to close the signing of Gorosabel and integrate him as soon as possible, with an eye on the clash against Sevilla. The player would sign a contract tying him to the club at least until 2028.
