Athletic Bilbao have re-signed Mikel Balenziaga

Athletic Bilbao have exercised their right to bring Mikel Balenziaga back to the club after two years at Real Valladolid.

The 25-year-old had a buy-back clause inserted in his contract when he left for pastures new in 2011.

The defender impressed during his time in Valladolid, helping them to comfortably preserve their La Liga status in 2012/13.

He will be back in the Basque country next term, with it reported that Bilbao have parted with around £255,000 to secure his services long-term.

"Athletic Club has decided to exercise the clause which allows it to re-sign Mikel Balenziaga, who has been on-loan at Valladolid," read a statement on the club's official website.

Balenziaga becomes Bilbao's second signing of the summer, and the second familiar face to return to San Mames.

Benat Etxebarria has already re-joined the club from Real Betis.

Read more...

Real Valladolid appoint Juan Ignacio Martinez as new coach

Real Valladolid have named Juan Ignacio Martínez as their new coach on a two-year contract.

Martinez, who spent the last two years in charge of Levante, takes over the reins from Miroslav Djukic who stepped down as Valladolid coach at the end of last season before joining Valencia.

A statement on the club's website read: "The club and the new coach have reached an agreement for 'JIM', as he has recently become known in the football world, to be in charge of the first team for the next two seasons, with the option of a third."

The 48-year-old Martinez will be presented at Valladolid's Jose Zorrilla stadium on Tuesday morning.

Valladolid finished 14th in the Primera Division standings last season having been promoted back to the top flight the previous season under Djukic.

Read more...