Image of Ernesto Valverde on the Las Palmas bench

Ernesto Valverde completes a controversial signing and sends him to RCD Espanyol for a year

"The springboard" will be the technique of this midfielder to reach Athletic Bilbao

In recent years, Athletic Club has shown a well-defined strategy in terms of signing and developing promising young players. Under the direction of Ernesto Valverde , the club has opted for a recruitment policy that combines young talent with the experience of more established players. This time, the focus is on an action that involves both Athletic and RCD Espanyol.

The idea of ​​using teams like RCD Espanyol to develop future signings is not new. In fact, this strategy has already worked with other players who, after spending time in a lesser team, made the definitive jump to Ernesto Valverde's team. Such is the case of the recent signing who, although he does not yet formally belong to the Bilbao club, has his future practically assured.

Image of Ernesto Valverde in a Ligue 1 stadium
Ernesto Valverde is already working on a signing that has not yet arrived | Europa Press

Ernesto Valverde's springboard to Athletic

The player in question is Robert Navarro , who has found in Espanyol a strategic opportunity to secure his arrival at Athletic in 2025. Navarro, who currently belongs to Real Sociedad, has opted for this solution so as not to lose a season in the stands. With the San Sebastian club reluctant to facilitate his transfer to their biggest rival, Navarro has followed a similar strategy to the one Gorosabel used when he played for Alavés.

Robert Navarro will sign for Athletic Club once his contract with Real Sociedad expires in 2025. In the meantime, RCD Espanyol will be the perfect place for him to continue developing as a footballer. This move will not only allow Navarro to stay active, it will also give him the opportunity to show his quality in a competitive environment like LaLiga.

The role of RCD Espanyol in this agreement

For RCD Espanyol, the arrival of Robert Navarro is seen as an excellent opportunity. The club, which is looking to establish itself in the Primera División and fight for European positions, will benefit from having a talented player who can make the difference in attack. Navarro will bring creativity and vision, characteristics that have caught the attention of Athletic and that will be crucial for the perico team this season.

This agreement benefits both parties. RCD Espanyol receives a high-quality player, while Navarro ensures his progression and eventual arrival at Athletic. For Ernesto Valverde and the sporting management, this type of move allows for efficient management of transfers, guaranteeing that players arrive at the club in good shape and with competitive experience.