Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Spanish right-back Gaizka Larrazabal on a two-year deal following a free transfer earlier this summer. The 28-year-old arrives with a substantial number of senior appearances across Spain and Portugal and has told the club website he was drawn by the team’s history.
Playing background and profile
Larrazabal began his senior career with Zamudio and subsequently featured in the squads of Athletic Bilbao and Real Zaragoza before moving to Portugal. He joined Casa Pia in 2023 and made 109 appearances for the Primeira Liga side prior to leaving earlier this summer. The player's family background is notable locally and nationally: he is the son of former Athletic Bilbao defender Aitor Larrazabal.
On the club website, Larrazabal described his reasons for choosing Bolton, referencing the club’s standing and famous former players. He also outlined his own attributes as a footballer:
"It's such a historical team, with great players who played here before, like Fernando Hierro, Nicolas Anelka and Jay-Jay Okocha - it's a big team with a big history and it was quite easy to take the decision," Larrazabal said. "I think I'm a player with high speed, strength and good crossing. I'm always going up and down the field, with a lot of energy and power."
What this signing means for Wanderers
For Bolton fans, Larrazabal's arrival represents added competition at right-back and a player profile suited to a modern full-back role — energetic, quick and offensively capable with crosses. The two-year length of the contract suggests the club see him as a medium-term solution while also allowing flexibility for future squad planning.
- Contract: Two years, free transfer
- Age: 28
- Previous club: Casa Pia (109 appearances)
- Earlier clubs: Zamudio, Athletic Bilbao, Real Zaragoza
Practical impact and next steps
The timing of this signing adds depth ahead of the Championship campaign and pre-season fixtures. Supporters should expect the right-back to compete for minutes immediately, while coaching staff will integrate him into the tactical set-up during training and friendlies. No transfer fee was disclosed, and the club has not revealed a squad number at the time of announcement.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Gaizka Larrazabal |
| Age | 28 |
| Contract length | Two years |
| Previous club | Casa Pia (Portugal) |
As the season approaches, the club will provide updates on Larrazabal’s integration and availability for selection. For now, his arrival adds another name to the list of players competing for starting places and represents the club’s continued activity in the transfer market.
Archie Grant
Bolton Community Correspondent, InfoRadar
