Rangers Dealt Benat Gerenabarrena Blow After Athletic Club Decision

Rangers have reportedly joined the race for Athletic Club midfielder Benat Gerenabarrena, but their prospects of securing the 23-year-old have suffered a significant setback after a decisive development in Bilbao.

AS reports that the Light Blues were among the clubs to have shown interest in Gerenabarrena during the current summer window, following his impressive loan spell with Castellon last season.

Racing Santander, Olympiacos, Almeria and Castellon were also named alongside clubs from Italy, Belgium, the English Championship and Major League Soccer.

However, several suitors are now said to view a move as increasingly unlikely. The report did not indicate that Rangers had made a formal offer.

That change follows Gerenabarrena’s rise during Athletic’s pre-season under new head coach Edin Terzic. 

The midfielder partnered Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta against Atalanta on Friday and was described as the Basque side’s standout performer in their 1-0 defeat.

It was Athletic’s final warm-up before their LaLiga opener. The Bilbao side subsequently confirmed that Gerenabarrena, alongside Alex Padilla, Alejandro Rego and Hugo Rincon, will hold a first-team squad place and number during the 2026/27 campaign.

The academy graduate has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for Athletic, but he gained valuable experience in Spain’s second tier with Castellon.

The club’s official profile records 39 league appearances and two goals for him in 2025/26. The spell provided consistent senior football before his return to Bilbao.

His contract is due to run until June 2027, while Athletic possess an option to extend it by a further two years. 

The report adds that improved terms could be discussed if his role continues to grow. For Rangers, the picture is therefore more complicated than identifying a promising midfielder entering the final year of his agreement.

Athletic has already given Gerenabarrena a tangible route into Terzic’s team and retains considerable contractual control.

Nevertheless, Derek McInnes’ side answered a four-match winless start by beating St Mirren 5-1 in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday.

However, their situation in Europe remains uncertain, as they dropped out of the Europa League play-offs following a defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok.

McInnes is still keen on making some signings before the transfer window closes. Any midfield addition, though, must suit both the immediate demands at Ibrox and Rangers’ longer-term recruitment strategy.

Gerenabarrena’s energy, physical output and ability to operate centrally would seemingly address useful qualities.

Yet unless Athletic’s position changes, Rangers may need to test their resolve with a permanent offer or move quickly towards another target before the window closes while monitoring developments in Spain.