Jesús Areso returns to Athletic Club in a €12M deal from Osasuna, signing for six seasons. The 26-year-old right-back prioritised a return to San Mamés despite offers from abroad, and the club sees him as a key piece for the future.
Jesús Areso was officially unveiled this afternoon at San Mamés as an Athletic Club player, signing a six-year contract in a move that marks not just a new beginning, but a highly symbolic return.
The 26-year-old right-back joins from Osasuna for a fee of €12 million, with Athletic demonstrating both ambition and emotional connection in bringing back a player who was once part of their youth setup. The presentation, attended by club president Jon Uriarte, carried a strong sense of identity and belonging. Uriarte, speaking to the media, thanked Areso for his commitment and drive to return, emphasizing that his ambition matched the club’s own values. Areso, visibly pleased, spoke of the emotional weight of the moment, saying that he knew how the club functioned, that he considered it a big club, and that coming back felt like returning home. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and looked ahead with excitement, stating that there is a great journey to come.
Areso, who did not train with his new teammates on Wednesday, will follow a specific fitness plan to regain optimal condition after several weeks of solo training in Tajonar. While waiting for the deal to be finalized, he had remained committed to staying in shape, working alone to maintain his physical readiness. Now that the move is complete, he is eager to integrate fully into the squad. Reflecting on his path, Areso made it clear that his desire to return to Athletic never wavered. He noted that much had been said in the media, but insisted that he always knew what he wanted. He recalled his time at Lezama fondly, and pointed out that many current first-team players, including Vivian, Sancet, Guruzeta, and Nico Williams, are people he considers close. His message was simple and powerful: he is exactly where he wants to be.
Areso’s story with Athletic began several years ago, when he first arrived as a youth player after the club activated his €450,000 release clause at Osasuna. However, that initial spell ended with a complicated departure. At the time, he declined to extend his contract and opted to return to Pamplona, a decision that drew mixed reactions. Looking back now, Areso spoke candidly about that chapter. He explained that players develop at different speeds and that maturity is part of the process. For him, it was important not to rush stages in his career. He acknowledged that he spent an entire year in the stands, unable to play, but said he took valuable lessons from that experience. For Areso, the past is just that the past. What matters now is the opportunity ahead, and he believes the future at Athletic is bright and full of promise.
When asked about how his departure from Osasuna had been perceived, the right-back chose his words carefully. He noted that the club received a significant fee for his transfer, which he hopes can help them with other signings or financial needs. He understands that people may have different opinions, but personally, he carries nothing but gratitude and warm memories from his time there.
The context surrounding his arrival at Athletic is also worth noting. Despite reported interest from major clubs such as Atlético Madrid, Torino, and Crystal Palace, Areso never had any doubts about his decision. His preference for San Mamés speaks volumes about his connection to the club’s philosophy, its environment, and the role he believes he can play there. Sporting director Mikel González highlighted just how much value the club places on players who can make a difference. He said that whenever they identify someone capable of providing a competitive edge, they must make the effort to bring them in and Areso was clearly one of those cases. With so many competitions to face in the upcoming season, González stressed the importance of having not just depth, but quality in every position.
The competition at right-back will be intense, and González did not rule out the possibility of Hugo Rincón going out on loan, depending on how the squad shapes up before the transfer window closes. With over a month and a half left, much can still change. But what’s clear is that Areso’s arrival adds reliability, experience, and identity to the team.
This transfer also strengthens the position of the club’s leadership. After successfully renewing Nico Williams’ contract in the face of strong interest from Barcelona, Athletic’s board now adds Areso to the project another player who chose the Basque club over tempting offers abroad. González commented that this speaks volumes about what Athletic represents. He recalled Areso’s own words, saying that the club is not just made up of those who wear the shirt, but also the thousands who fill San Mamés every matchday and even visiting players dream of what it must feel like to play there as the home team. For González, the priority is not to win battles in the transfer market, but to remain ambitious and loyal to the club’s values, even when football takes you into unexpected situations.
The club has not ruled out additional signings, particularly after head coach Ernesto Valverde publicly stated the need for a central defender. Still, the club maintains a consistent message. According to González, Athletic has a well-rounded squad and is comfortable with the players currently available. There may be departures, especially for younger players seeking game time, but there’s always an underlying ambition to improve. Whether that happens in the remaining weeks of the transfer window remains to be seen.
For now, the spotlight shines on Jesús Areso a player who has come full circle, returning to the place he calls home, ready to give his best in the red and white of Athletic Club.
