RCD Espanyol have strengthened their defence with the signing of right-back Andoni Gorosabel. The 30-year-old joins on loan from Athletic Bilbao until the end of the season, with an obligatory purchase option contingent on performance objectives, as confirmed by the outlet Marca.
Gorosabel has already completed his medical in Barcelona and will immediately join Manolo González's squad. The Espanyol manager stated that "Gorosabel will debut in either of the next two matches against Sevilla and Osasuna". The signing comes as Espanyol sit 11th in La Liga, with three points from one win and two losses in their opening three games.
Why did Athletic Bilbao let Gorosabel leave?
Andoni Gorosabel was Athletic Club's standout right-back last season. However, the arrival of player Terzic at the Basque club pushed him down the pecking order. With a contract at San Mamés running until 2028, both the club and the player saw this loan move as a beneficial solution for all parties.
The agreement was formally presented by both clubs to La Liga this week. For Gorosabel, Espanyol becomes his fourth La Liga club, having made his top-flight debut with Real Sociedad, played for Deportivo Alavés, and of course for Athletic, where he made 124 official appearances.
What does Gorosabel bring to Manolo González's Espanyol?
The addition of the Navarrese defender provides an injection of experience and solidity for Espanyol's right flank. Gorosabel arrives to compete for a starting spot immediately, and his signing is particularly timely ahead of a demanding schedule.
The white-and-blue team's next match is on September 6th against Sevilla, who are sixth in the table, at the RCDE Stadium. With five goals scored and four conceded, Espanyol have a positive goal difference (+1) but trail leaders Barcelona by six points. The squad is looking to stabilise their defensive performance, and Gorosabel's top-level experience could be key.
When can the new signing make his debut?
All signs point to the new full-back's debut being imminent. Manolo González has made it clear: he will be available for the clash against Sevilla or, failing that, for the trip to El Sadar to face Osasuna. His integration into training will be swift, as he knows the competition well.
The loan with an obligatory purchase option represents a low initial financial risk for the club, committing to a larger investment only if the player meets the expected performance levels. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the lineup on our squad page.
The signing of Gorosabel is a market operation aimed at addressing a specific need in González's system. His first official match in the white-and-blue shirt could come in just a few days, in a vital game to improve their position in the standings. The loan deal expires on June 30th, 2024.
