Xabi Castillo Now Joining Athletic Bilbao?

After it seemed almost certain Xabi Castillo would be joining Racing Santander its been reported in the Spanish media that Xabi Castillo could make a sensational move to Athletic Bilbao and follow in the footsteps of Iñigo Díaz de Cerio. Athletic are looking for a left back and have been linked with Manchester City's former Real Sociedad full back Javier Garrido and Osasuna's Ignacio Monreal although from speaking to some Athletic fans the general opinion is Monreal would be the preferred option. Saying that reports are saying Athletic are in advanced talks with Castillo and could announce the signing any day as current left back Mikel Balenziaga isn't really ready for the first team yet and there has also been rumours Real Sociedad could take Balenziaga on loan as part of the deal - we will see!

Another player that could eventually be wearing the white and red of Athletic Bilbao is Mikel González. His contract expires next June and Real are miles away from agreeing a new deal. This has alerted Athletic to the possibility of signing him for free next summer as the lure of Liga BBVA football and better money dangles like a carrot over the central defender. The only other player not to have signed a new deal is full back Carlos Martínez however a deal will be done once Real have finished their dealings in the transfer market this summer.

Real Sociedad will kick off the 2009/10 season away to Las Palmas on 30th August after the fixtures were announced yesterday. The full schedule can be found at Soccer Spain.