مدير عام كرة القدم
- أوساسونا eye reunion with ex-تشيلسي star
- Athletic also keen after Laporte injury
- Azpilicueta began career at Osasuna in 2006
وفق ماركا Azpilicueta, who is now a free agent after leaving أتلتيكو مدريد, has emerged as a top target for Osasuna. The 35-year-old defender could be set for an emotional return to his boyhood club, where he began his professional career in 2006. Athletic are also interested, especially after Aymeric Laporte’s injury created a need for defensive reinforcements.
The Spanish defender’s signing would bring leadership, versatility, and elite experience to Los Rojillos’ defence. He can operate anywhere across the backline, a trait that served him well at Chelsea, where he played over 500 matches and won every major European trophy. Celta had him on their list of targets at one point, but eventually withdrew from the competition. His return would be more than a sporting move it would be a symbolic homecoming for one of Osasuna’s most celebrated academy graduates.
Azpilicueta left Osasuna in 2010 to join مرسيليا before moving to Chelsea, where he scored 17 goals and provided 51 assists across all competitions. During his time in London, he was named in the الدوري الأوروبي‘s best XI in 2019 and the دوري أبطال أوروبا‘s in 2021. On the international stage, he earned 44 caps for إسبانيا, playing under Vicente del Bosque and several other coaches.
Formal negotiations between Osasuna and Azpilicueta have yet to begin, but financial obstacles are unlikely, with the player’s personal desire to return home seen as decisive. If completed, the deal could see him join in time to face ريال مدريد on August 20.
