Kepa Arrizabalaga was linked with a move to Real Madrid for a long time, and many thought a move was going to happen in the January transfer window. However, that move did not happen and instead the player decided to sign a new long-term contract with Athletic Bilbao.
The keeper has explained his decision to stay with Athletic, with an overriding reason being the opportunity to make the Spanish World Cup squad. Kepa was recently named in Julen Lopetegui’s 24-man squad for the friendlies against Germany and Argentina.
Real Madrid missing out on signing the 23-year-old was a bit disappointing, as he is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe. If Los Blancos go back in for Kepa in the future they will have to pay big money, as the player’s new contract has an €80 million release clause.
Explaining His Decision
Speaking about the decision to stay at Athletic, Kepa had this to say:
“There were offers and I need time to think, to decide.
“It was a life choice that I had to make on where I wanted my football and sporting career to continue. Once I had it clear in my mind, I made my decision.
“I’m very happy with the path I’ve chosen. I’ve signed a long-term contract. I’ve got this season and a further seven years left. I’m enjoying myself.”
It would seem as if the main reason for not making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu was his international future. Perhaps the youngster believed that it would be tough to get games at Real, with current goalkeeper Keylor Navas fully established as the number one for Zinedine Zidane.
Los Blancos are expected to go back in for a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois the players strongly linked. It remains to be seen who will end up joining the club.
