Athletic Club started the season with several goalkeeper injury problems. Unai Simon was a long-term absentee after undergoing wrist surgery after helping Spain to Euro 2024 success, while Julen Agirrezabala also missed the first few games of the campaign after suffering his own problem. As such, third choice Alex Padilla had to step up.
Padilla did so, as he was impressed when he called. However, he was relegated to the bench after the return of Agirrezabala, and now that Simon is also back, he is back on the outskirts. As such, he was allowed to leave Athletic during the upcoming winter transfer window.
As reported by Roberto Lopez Olvera (via MD), it has already been agreed that Padilla will join Mexican club Pumas on loan. This will allow him to continue playing regular football at senior level.
Athletic Club have high hopes for Padilla, so it makes sense that his development should not be stagnant.
