As expected, Aketxe made a surprising move and signed with Toronto FC, the current MLS champion for two years extendable to a third. A brave move for a young man who has just turned 24. The MLS is determined not to sign only old glories. He signs for two years with the option of a third and Athletic let him escape after inserting a clause with preferential rights of first refusal. Ziganda did not count on him and his contract expires at San Mamés this summer.
Toronto got the upper hand through persistence. The Canadians sent a large delegation to Bilbao. The president himself, Michael Friisdah, was in Bilbao to try to convince the representatives of the midfielder from Romo. In fact, the delegation was able to attend the Athletic-Las Palmas game at San Mamés a week ago.
Aketxe had not played in a match for two months. On December 7th, he played from the 92nd minute, to waste time, in the match against Zorya. This season he has played three games as a starter, the two Copa matches against a Segunba B like Formentera and the one against Hertha in Bilbao. He had decided not to renew even though Ibaigane presented him with an offer. The North American league starts on March 3rd. He was of interest to Cádiz and Leganés in Spain. In the MLS, he will coincide with the Italian Giovinco (formerly of Juventus), Bradley (captain of the United States national team), Altidore (formerly of Villarreal), and the Spanish Víctor Vázquez.
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