Oyarzabal ends €40m Athletic rumours with new Sociedad deal

Real Sociedad have announced that Mikel Oyarzabal has signed a new contract with the club, effectively ending speculation over a move to Athletic Bilbao.

A report in Spain on Friday claimed that the 19-year-old was close to accepting a move to Real’s Basque rivals after Athletic agreed to match his €40million release clause.

However, Oyarzabal has now committed his future to Anoeta by agreeing to an improved six-year deal.

“Real Sociedad have reached an agreement with the player Mikel Oyarzabal to extend his contract until June 30, 2022,” a club statement confirmed.

Oyarzabal enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in San Sebastian last season, scoring six times in 22 LaLiga appearances.

He earned a first senior cap for Spain as a substitute during the 3-1 friendly victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in May.

COMUNICADO OFICIAL – Acuerdo para la renovación de @mikeloyar11 https://t.co/Q7nsDC7MTh #RealSociedad pic.twitter.com/DFJzKjHYwW

— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) August 19, 2016