Julen Agirrezabala's transfer from Athletic Club to Villarreal has resulted in a goalkeeper shortage for Athletic Club, which led to the early return of Alex Padilla from Pumas. Agirrezabala's departure left Athletic Club without a backup goalkeeper, prompting the club to terminate Padilla's loan with Pumas earlier than planned. Originally, Padilla's loan was to last until the end of the Clausura 2026. Consequently, Athletic Club had to pay approximately half a million dollars to Pumas to exercise the clause in the agreement that permitted Padilla's early recall. The club's decision was driven by the necessity to address the void left by Agirrezabala joining Villarreal.