Unai Simon signs five-year Athletic deal with no release clause
After losing Kepa Arrizabalaga to Chelsea, Athletic Bilbao have handed Unai Simon a new contract without including a release clause.
Unai Simon has signed a new five-year contract with Athletic Bilbao that does not include a release clause.
Goalkeeper Simon, 23, has reportedly been monitored by Real Madrid and Inter and would have been available for âŽ50million under the terms of his previous deal.
However, after seeing Chelsea trigger an âŽ80m buy-out fee in Kepa Arrizabalaga's contract at San Mames in 2018, Athletic have moved to avoid a repeat.
Simon moved into the first team following Kepa's exit and Thursday's announcement coincided with the second anniversary of his LaLiga debut and a first call-up to the Spain squad from Luis Enrique.
"I've been here since I was 14 years old. Being here until 2025 is a dream for me. I am very proud and happy for the trust the club has placed in me," he said in a club interview.
"It's been a complete, very beautiful day for me."
Sporting director Rafael Alkorta added: "Both parties were clear about what we wanted and it was easy for us to reach an agreement.
"Unai Simon's commitment to Athletic is outstanding. It is a day for us all to be happy. Unai is growing a lot and he wants to continue doing so. We have a top goalkeeper in Europe for many years to come."
