I-League: Diamond Harbour FC complete signing of spanish defender Mikel Kortazar

Diamond Harbour FC have been promoted to the I-League first division recently

With promotion to the I-League, a new dimension has opened for Diamond Harbour Football Club as they move forward with ambition, structure, and hope to rise in the I-League.

Growing with pride and ambition at the I-League stage, now Diamond Harbour FC has made news early by signing the experienced Spanish centre-back Mikel Kortazar. Kortazar joins the Kolkata side as a free agent on a one-year contract.

Also Read: I-League: Gokulam Kerala FC rope in Spanish midfielder Edu Martinez ahead of 2025-26 season

A glance at Mikel Kortazar’s football journey

• Mikel Kortazar started his development at Bilbao Youth, where he received foundational training at one of Spain’s most reputed academies, known for producing top-tier talent.
• In 2015, he was promoted to Bilbao U18, marking his entry into competitive youth football within the Athletic Club system. Later he progressed to Bilbao U19 in the 2016–17 season.
• In 2017, he took the next step by joining CD Basconia, Athletic Club’s affiliated third-division side, allowing him to experience the rigours of senior football.
• For the 2018–19 season, Kortazar was loaned out to Santutxu FC.
• He returned to CD Basconia in mid-2019 after his loan. In 2020, he made a leap to Bilbao Athletic, the club’s B team, competing in the Spanish third tier.
• In August 2022, he signed with UD Logroñés. His journey took another turn in January 2023, when he joined CD Calahorra mid-season.
• Ahead of the 2023–24 season, he moved to SD Tarazona. In July 2024, Kortazar signed for SD Amorebieta.

How can Mikel Kortazar fit into Diamond Harbour FC’s system?

With over 10 years of experience playing in Spain, Mikel Kortazar gained invaluable exposure to highly tactical and physically demanding leagues.

His experiences in clubs like SD Amorebieta, Tarazona, and Logroñés make him well-versed in various systems and styles, from which Diamond Harbour could certainly benefit in the I-League.

Having been trained in one of Spain’s most reputable academies, the defender carries the characteristics of a player groomed with resources such as discipline, technicality, and a strong footballing culture.

His formative years within Bilbao Youth, U18, U19, and Bilbao Athletic have led to him having both defensive awareness and leadership qualities.

Diamond Harbour FC building a strong squad

Diamond Harbour FC is gearing up strongly for the Durand Cup and their debut I-League season with a mix of smart signings. Brazilian striker Clayton Silveira joined as the club’s first-ever foreign player. They’ve also added ISL-experienced centre-back Melroy Assisi and midfielder Paul Ramfangzauva, who impressed in the I-League 2.

They’ve also bolstered their squad depth with Ramdinthara (Tharpuia) and U-17 talent Thanglalsoun Gangte, who has already made an impact in the Calcutta Football League with a 95th-minute winner against Wari AC.

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