Inaki Astiz returns to Legia Warsaw

Legia Warsaw have signed Spaniard Iñaki Astiz from Osasuna. The defender will sign a five-year contract.

Legia coach Jan Urban trained Astiz when he was in charge at Osasuna B. When he moved to Warsaw in the summer of 2007 he persuaded his new employers to get the player on loan.

The Basque became a key player in Legia’s defence winning 23 league appearances and scoring one goal. Despite the offer made to the Spanish side to extend the loan, Osasuna wanted Iñaki to return considering him part of the wide squad for the 2008/09 season. The player wanted to fight for the place in the Primera Division team as well.

Legia’s defensive misery at the start of the new season forced them to find a classy player. On Tuesday the club confirmed the signing of 24-year-old Astiz on a free transfer. Osasuna do keep the right to recall the player for the next two seasons.

Astiz will join his fellow Spaniards Arruabarrena, Descarga and Tito. None of them however made it to the first squad and they all play for the reserve team.