Madrid, July 12 (H.S.): Valencia has secured goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala on loan from Athletic Bilbao, addressing their need for a replacement for Giorgi Mamardashvili, who transferred to Liverpool.

Agirrezabala will play for Valencia during the 2025-26 season, with an option to buy at the end. The 24-year-old aims for more first-team action, as he is behind Spain’s Unai Simon at Athletic. Agirrezabala has been a backup but played 14 games last season due to Simon’s injury and was the first choice in the Europa League. He helped Athletic win the Copa del Rey, making crucial saves.

With Simon starting in La Liga and the Champions League, Agirrezabala’s opportunities were limited. Consequently, Athletic Club has recalled 21-year-old Alex Padilla from loan at Pumas to be Simon’s backup.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar