By Daniel Wood
The Spanish Under-21 international, Pipa, has completed a permanent move to Huddersfield Town from Spanish Club RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.
Pipa is a 22-year-old right-back that progressed through the ranks at Espanyol to make 13 appearances last season in all competitions.
The Spaniard’s full name is Gonzalo Avila Gordon. He passed his medical on Friday and has now joined Head Coach Carlos Corberán’s squad for an undisclosed fee.
He earned his second Spanish Under-21 cap during Thursday’s UEFA European Championship qualifying win over North Macedonia.
The number two shirt will be given to Pipa, who is an attack-minded full-back who can also play as a winger if needed.
He has highlighted that he loves to use his pace and trickery to beat players to get to the byline and cross the ball. He is the type of player that is always looking to get forward and help his teammates.
Pipa said upon his arrival: “My best attributes are speed and skills. I’m also a little crazy at times! I’ve started playing [regularly], and I feel strong and confident.”
The Spaniard strongly believes that that Spanish connection he will have with Corberán will make it easier for him at the start of his Terriers career.
He also emphasised his excitement to see the John Smith’s Stadium full of fans again as he branded the stadium as very beautiful and different.
A contract running until June 2023 has been agreed, with the option of a further year in the Club’s favour.
Huddersfield Town’s Head of Football Operations Leigh Bromby commented on the signing:
“Pipa is a perfect example of the characteristics this Club is looking for in a new signing.
“He was identified very early in this window as a target through our recruitment process, and he’s a player that Carlos was very excited about when he was brought to him as an option.
“He’s playing internationally for a top footballing nation, and he’s played in an elite European league for his club.”
Bromby also stressed that the references on his character and the standard of his training were “glowing” and that Pipa is someone who has been signed to play for the club long term, not just short term.
Head Coach Carlos Corberán added:
“I have been very interested in Pipa since the Club first proposed him to me.
“He’s energetic and has very good skills to produce for our team, particularly in our build-up in the final part of the pitch. He offers great versatility too, as he can play at left-back and on the right-wing as well as his primary position of right back.”
Corberán also expressed his happiness that he will get to work with Pipa, and he will aim to help him adapt to the demands of English football as soon as he can.