Espanyol have officially sealed the return of midfielder Urko González de Zárate, reaching an agreement with Real Sociedad to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent deal worth over €4 million.
The Basque club will also retain a percentage of any future sale. Urko has committed to a five-year contract, keeping him at the RCDE Stadium until 2030. The midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Espanyol, made no secret of his delight at rejoining the Catalan club.
“I came for six months to a place where I was very happy and where I enjoyed myself,” Urko said at his presentation. “I’m very happy to be back here. I really wanted to come here.”
Espanyol have moved deliberately in the summer transfer market, avoiding last-minute scrambles and focusing on targeted reinforcements.
Head coach Manolo González now has the depth he sought, with strong competition across every position. The signing of Swiss midfielder Vincent Pickel on Wednesday and Urko’s permanent arrival on Thursday complete the coach’s blueprint for a balanced squad.
The timing of the deal ensures González can count on both of his latest recruits ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Osasuna. Pickel and Urko are available for selection, giving the coach fresh options as Espanyol look to build momentum in the opening weeks of the campaign.
“We’re building a very good squad, together, and little by little, I’m sure we’ll have a very good year,” Urko said, stressing his belief in the project.
For Espanyol, investing over €4 million in Urko signals long-term intent. The five-year deal ties down a midfielder still entering his prime, with Real Sociedad protecting their own interests by holding onto a percentage of future sales.
Urko’s versatility, capable of covering defensive and central midfield roles, adds flexibility to González’s system. His familiarity with the squad and the club’s expectations should ease his reintegration.
Espanyol now turn their focus to the pitch. Sunday’s match against Osasuna offers González a chance to showcase his reinforced midfield, while the wider squad will be aiming to translate the club’s transfer decisiveness into results.
