Athletic Bilbao right-back Rincon joins Girona on loan

Girona has signed right-back Hugo Rincon on loan from Athletic Bilbao for the upcoming season.

The 22-year-old joins Girona, which can make the deal permanent at the end of the season, after spending a successful campaign with second division side Mirandes, where he played 43 times as the club just missed out on promotion to La Liga.

The 12-million-euro (14-million-U.S. dollar) signing of Jesus Areso from Osasuna last week has blocked Rincon's chances of playing for Athletic Bilbao this season, but after extending his contract to 2028 a year ago, he is still highly rated at the club, which wants to see him progress and gain experience in the top flight.

Girona fought off interest from Alaves, Rayo Vallecano and Mallorca to complete the loan deal, which also includes a penalty clause if he doesn't play a certain percentage of games.

Girona struggled to avoid relegation last season after finding it difficult to combine playing in Europe and La Liga with a squad that lost several important players following a third-place finish a season prior.