Spanish centre back Mikel San Jose has made his move to Atletic Bilboa permanent.
The 20 year old had spent the season on loan at Estadio San Mamés, where he has impressed. He made 30 appearances, most of which occured after a spell before Christmas that saw him frustrated at a lack of opportunities at his former club.
Two goals in two weeks in December proved the turnaround in fortunes and since then he has been a mainstay in the Bilboa side.
He has signed a contract to 2015 and some reports suggest a €30m buyout clause has been written in – it is common for all players in Spain to have a buyout clause in their contract.
San Jose signed for Liverpool from Bilbao in August 2007 for just £270k. He was an unused sub in the away match with Chelsea in February 2008 but never made a first team appearance.
