New Signing at Athletic and much more

By: Elisa | June 17th, 2008

As the rest of us have been inundated with the Euros and looking forward to a mouth watering Spain vs Italy encounter in the quarterfinals, here’s the last news out of Bilbao~*

New signing – Joseba del Olmo Garcia
Athletic has paid the €300,000 buyout clause on Del Olmo’s contract with Eibar. Del Olmo has signed a one-year contract with the club. The contract includes an automatic renewal for another year should the 27 year old striker play in a minimum of 22 official games. Athletic has also attached a buyout clause of €20million. A smart piece of business IMO. The coaching staff is expecting alot from Del Olmo. He is a different type of striker, two footed, with a lot of potential. We shall see. To date Eibar has provided Koikili, new signing Toquero and now Del Olmo.

Promotions update in Segunda aka Good News, Bad News:
Bad News – Real Sociedad remains in the Second division. Their loss to Alaves a fortnight ago, really hurt Erreala. Ashame, I was looking forward to the Basque derby returning to La Primera.

Good News – Alaves is safe! Alaves won their last two games and by the skin of their teeth is staying up in Segunda A. Ying and Yang? Karma? Or just phew! Congratulations to Alaves. Next year La Real.

Some Quick Notes:

*Midfielder Carles Gurpegi is over in Peru, taking time out from his vacation. He is doing his part to help underprivileged youth through football. Class act!

*After all the pressure and court dealings that defender Iban Zubiaurre has endured, Caparros is offering him to Recreativo Huelva on loan. I think this would be a good thing for Zubi to get a little break from all the crap from the past year, as well as provide him with more game time, down in Andalusia. I hope it comes to fruition. Good luck Iban!

*Just think, one year ago, on June 17, 2007, we beat Levante 2-0 on the last day of the season and ensured safety in La Primera. Baby we’ve come along way!