Young winger Elijah Gift has joined Eibar on a season-long loan from Athletic Club. The deal, confirmed on Sunday, August 31st, aims to add fresh options to a squad sitting eighth in the Segunda División with six points.
As reported by onefootball.com, Eibar manager Jokin Aranbarri leveraged his connections to secure the move. "I have used my contacts to bring Elijah Gift to Eibar on loan," the coach stated. The player, born in Corella, Navarra but raised in England from age nine, arrives after three seasons at Lezama, having joined Athletic for €1.5 million from Liverpool's academy.
Who is Elijah Gift?
Elijah Gift is a 17-year-old right winger who has primarily featured for Athletic's reserve team in the Primera Federación. He made 30 appearances at that level, registering two goals and two assists. His first taste of senior professional football now comes with Eibar, where he hopes for more playing time. Internationally, he has represented Spain at under-17 level, though he remains eligible to play for England in the future.
Why does Eibar need a winger?
The need on Eibar's right flank is clear due to injuries to Jon Guruzeta and Eric Pérez. While Pejiño and Adu Ares are options for the position, and Magunazelaia showed versatility in the second half against Real Valladolid, the squad depth was stretched. Gift's arrival reduces the likelihood of Aranbarri running short of options in that area. The Basque side begins the league campaign having scored three goals and conceded three, sitting just one point behind leaders Granada CF.
What context does Gift find at Eibar?
Elijah Gift lands at an Eibar team looking to cement a place in the upper reaches of the table. With two wins and one loss from their first three matches, the team's recent form is mixed (WWL) but ambition remains high. The next fixture, a home clash against league leaders Granada CF on September 6th at Ipurua, presents an immediate test and potential opportunity for the youngster. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and view the updated squad details on squad.
What is the plan for the young talent?
The primary goal of the loan is straightforward: for Elijah Gift to gain experience in professional football within the Segunda División. Aranbarri believes his pace and ability to take on defenders can be a weapon for a team needing more attacking threat. This is not a short-term gamble but an investment in the development of a player with clear potential. His integration into the squad's dynamics will be key in the coming weeks, where competition for a starting spot is guaranteed. Eibar concludes its summer business by strengthening a needed position with young talent, a move focused on the present without forgetting the future. The loan agreement is valid until the end of the 2026-27 season.
