Athletic Bilbao confirm Kepa Arrizabalaga departure

Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga’s release clause has been paid and certified, and thus have confirmed his departure from his boyhood club.

On Wednesday August 8, 2018, at 12:02 hours, the Professional Football League has certified to our entity that the player Kepa Arrizabalaga has met the requirements for the valid unilateral termination of the work contract that linked him to Athletic Club.

The aforementioned certification indicates that the player has expressed his desire to terminate and unilaterally resolve the relationship that joined him since the 2004/05 season and that the amount of the compensation established in the contract has been deposited.

Athletic thanks the player for his contribution during the time he has remained in our Club.

-source: Athletic Club

Quite specific with the times, these release clause proceedings, with the payment made at 9:22am and certified at 12:02pm. Good thing we didn’t leave it too close to the transfer deadline, considering it took them almost three hours!

In any case, Athletic obviously don’t mention Chelsea — the rest of their official statement extolls the virtues of their football project — but since the buyout was made with Chelsea’s money, we can safely assume that Kepa’s heading to Cobham as we speak.

Noice.