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Athletic Bilbao and Paris Saint-Germain have both confirmed the transfer of left-back Yuri Berchiche to the Basque club. Berchiche, 28, was signed by PSG from Athletic's bitter rivals Real Sociedad last summer, and even usurped Layvin Kurzawa as former coach Unai Emery's preferred starting left-back. However, as revealed by an ESPN FC source last week, PSG's new coach Thomas Tuchel did not value him as an indispensable member of his new squad. Sporting director Antero Henrique was able to sell him to comply with short-term UEFA financial fair play (FFP) regulations and has managed to turn a profit on the former Lezama youth academy product. According to the source, Berchiche, who joined PSG for €13 million plus a potential additional €3m in bonuses, has cost Athletic €20m and less than €5m more in additional bonuses. Berchiche has signed a four-year contract until 2022 at San Mames and arrives in Bilbao with Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue titles to his name. PSG thanked Berchiche for his professionalism in a statement and wished him the best upon his return to La Liga. Athletic have confirmed that the defender's contract contains a release clause of €100m and the player's unveiling will take place on Friday afternoon.
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