Deal Sealed: Loan with Option to Buy
On September 2, 2026, RCD Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao jointly announced an agreement for the transfer of Andoni Gorosabel. Under the agreement, Gorosabel will join Espanyol on loan until the end of the 2026/27 season. Notably, the loan deal includes an option to buy, giving Espanyol the possibility to sign the player permanently in the future. Gorosabel has successfully passed his medical examination and will be officially presented in the coming days.
Player Profile: Experienced Basque Defender
Born on August 4, 1996, in Arrasate, Basque Country, Andoni Gorosabel is a defender who primarily plays as a right-back. He brings a wealth of La Liga experience, having started his career in the Real Sociedad youth system. To date, Gorosabel has made 246 official appearances for clubs including Real Sociedad, Alavés, and Athletic Bilbao. A career highlight was in 2020, when he was a key player in the Real Sociedad squad that won the Copa del Rey, showcasing his reliability in crucial matches.
Tactical Significance: Strengthening the Right Flank
Gorosabel’s signing is a key move for Espanyol in the current transfer window, aimed at enhancing the team’s defensive depth. This comes shortly after the departure of homegrown right-back Rubén Sánchez, who transferred to Elche CF. Gorosabel is expected to immediately fill the void left by Sánchez’s departure. Compared to the younger Sánchez, Gorosabel brings more top-flight experience and mature defensive skills, and is poised to be a reliable, plug-and-play option for the team’s backline.
