Athletic Bilbao finalized its transfer business with the departure of left-back Adama Boiro Ugalde to West Ham United and the loan of winger Elijah Gift to Eibar. These two exits, confirmed in the final hours of the transfer window, reshape manager Terzic's squad, which is also dealing with injuries to Beñat Prados, Dani Vivian, and Peio Canales.
Mundo Deportivo was the outlet that reported the details of both deals. The agreement for Adama Boiro was sealed in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the club's official announcement coming at 1:15 AM. It is a loan move to West Ham United until the end of the season, which includes an option to buy. The 24-year-old player, born in Senegal and raised in Pamplona, will wear the number 18 shirt for the English side, one of the main favorites for promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
Why was Adama Boiro's exit a surprise?
The move for Adama Boiro was a last-minute surprise. The left-back was not initially on the list of potential departures handled by Terzic's coaching staff. His transfer from Lezama materialized on the final day of the summer window, a move that caught many supporters off guard. The player himself showed his enthusiasm after the deal. "I am very excited and happy to be here! I am coming to a great club and I am very eager to start," said Adama Boiro.
What does Elijah Gift bring to Eibar?
In the case of Elijah Gift, Athletic has sought developmental minutes for the 20-year-old winger through a loan to Eibar. Gift is already familiar with the style of Jokin Aranbarri, his coach at the Bilbao Athletic reserve team, which could ease his adaptation. The footballer spoke positively about his new destination. "This is a good, big club with a lot of ambition and that attracts a player a lot," said Elijah Gift about the Basque club. His departure opens up space in a position where the first team has several options, although the injury to Peio Canales temporarily reduces competition.
How do these exits affect the defense?
Adama Boiro's departure leaves Athletic with less depth at left-back, a position that now falls to fewer players. This situation is compounded by absences in central defense, where Dani Vivian is currently injured. The club's full injury status can be checked on its injuries page. Meanwhile, defender Andoni Gorosabel, who also left the club this summer, has already joined Espanyol with high motivation. Gorosabel expressed his eagerness to make his debut and give his all for his new team.
What is the current context for the first team?
These moves leave Athletic's squad set for the start of the decisive phase of the season. The team faces this period without three important players: midfielder Beñat Prados, center-back Dani Vivian, and winger Peio Canales. Fans can follow the team's progress and check upcoming fixtures on the fixtures calendar. The departure of two young players like Boiro and Gift reflects a bet on giving them playing time elsewhere, while the first team focuses on immediate objectives with the available squad. Andoni Gorosabel signed a three-year contract with Espanyol.
