The Spain international has agreed a five-year deal with the Basque giants and is due to move back to his boyhood club for a sum of €8 million
By Gorka Posada
Athletic Bilbao are set to clinch the signing of Real Betis midfielder Benat for a fee of €8 million, Goal understands.
The 26-year-old spent time at San Mames as a youngster, but left the club in 2009 for the Andalusians on a free transfer after failing to break into the first team.
However, Benat has since resurrected his career in Seville, making over 100 Liga appearanes for the club during his glittering spell.
Although his form had seen him linked with a move to both Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Benat has always maintained that his dream was to return to his boyhood club, and the Basques have now won the race for his signature.
The Spain international has agreed a five-year deal with Athletic and Betis’ acquisition of Joan Verdu from Espanyol has cleared the way for him to return to the club.
Benat will be confirmed as Ernesto Valverdo’s first signing as the new boss of Athletic imminently.