Elche central defender Xabi Etxeita has signed for Athletic Bilbao, according to the Basque club’s official website.
The 25-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with the Basques and returns to the club where he started his career, having made 17 La Liga appearances for Los Leones between 2008 and 2010.
Following a loan spell with Cartagena, Etxeita joined Elche in July 2010 and helped the Valencian Community club to top-flight promotion last term after a 24-year absence, contributing four goals from 40 starts.
Etxeita’s agreement is understood to contain a release clause of €30m and he will be presented as an Athletic player at midday on Tuesday, July 2.
