Bilbao are loaning midfielder Herrera from PSG


Athletic Bilbao have loaned midfielder Ander Herrera from Paris St Germain for the 2022-23 season, both clubs announced on Saturday.

The deal includes an option to extend the loan for a second season or make the Spaniard’s move permanent, La Liga club Bilbao said.

The 33-year-old returns to his former club, where he made nearly 130 appearances in all competitions for the Basque side from 2011-14.

In his first season, he helped Bilbao reach the Copa del Rey and Europa League finals, where they lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid.

“It’s a great pleasure to be back,” Herrera told the club’s Twitter feed.

“It’s been eight years since I left but I’ve been very happy here, it’s been a great three years.

“Athletic has grown steadily since I left. The challenges are great, the demands are great because the quality of the team demands it.”

Herrera left Bilbao for Manchester United ahead of the 2014/15 season and won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during a five-year stint in England.