Athletic Club sign Gorka Elustondo after he left rivals Real Sociedad

Athletic Club have confirmed the signing of Gorka Elustondo, formerly of rivals Real Sociedad, on a deal until June 2017, with a release clause of 30 million euros. 

The midfielder becomes the club's third signing of the summer, following Eneko Boveda and Javi Eraso in the door at San Mames. 

Elustondo, born in 1987, finished his contract with Real Sociedad in June and is a player that came through La Real's Zubieta academy. 

Athletic have been following him for a while and consider his signing an important part of improving the defensive aspects of their play. 

Despite being a midfielder by trade, Elustondo has also played as a central defender and that is the reason Ernesto Valverde was so keen to add him to his squad for next season. 

Following his Txuti-Urdin debut in 2006, Elustondo has accumulated over 200 official appearances for Real Sociedad. 

Now he will leave San Sebastian and cross the Basque divide.