Athletic Bilbao has announced the sale of central defender Aimar Duñabeitia to Real Sporting de Gijón, with a fixed fee and a series of economic variables that include a percentage of any future sale, a buy‑back option and a right‑of‑first‑refusal clause. The announcement, published on July 8, 2026, highlights the club's strategy to balance the departure of reserve‑team players with medium‑term income.

What does Duñabeitia's transfer entail?

Duñabeitia, 23, played 71 matches for Bilbao Athletic over the last three seasons, scoring five goals. He also featured in two friendlies with the first team, against Liverpool FC and CA Osasuna, in the Euskal Herria Txapela. The club has received a fixed amount for the transfer, though the exact figure was not disclosed. The economic variables will depend on the objectives the player meets at Sporting, the percentage of any future sale, and the buy‑back option Athletic has retained.

Why is Athletic safeguarding its interests with clauses?

Athletic Club has turned the sale of reserve‑team players into a formula that provides immediate cash while retaining control over the player's future. The right‑of‑first‑refusal clause ensures that if Sporting later decides to sell Duñabeitia, Athletic will have priority to re‑sign him. The buy‑back option sets a maximum price the club can pay, limiting exposure to unexpected value spikes.

What other departures has the reserve team seen this window?

Before Duñabeitia, Athletic confirmed the departure of Eder García to Córdoba. Unlike that transfer, Duñabeitia's exit includes the mechanisms described above, suggesting the club is fine‑tuning its sales policy to maximise financial return. The reserve side remains the squad with the most changes during this transfer period.

What does this mean for Athletic's future?

Keeping economic variables in sales allows Athletic to better plan its transfer budget and strengthen the academy. With Duñabeitia's exit, the club frees a defensive spot in the reserve team but also secures resources that can be allocated to new talents. The approach reflects the intent to stay competitive in LaLiga without compromising financial stability.

Athletic also thanked Duñabeitia for his commitment and dedication during his time at Lezama, wishing him success in his professional career. The blend of a secure sale and protective clauses demonstrates the maturity of the club's business model.