The coach from Azkoitia thus returns to the Armero entity, where he already has an extensive background in youth football and the reserve team. Aranbarri joined the club's grassroots structure in 2016, managing various youth category teams for five seasons. In 2021, he moved to CD Vitoria, Eibar's reserve team, winning the championship and promotion to Segunda RFEF in the 2023-2024 season. Following this success, he signed for Bilbao Athletic, a team he has managed for the last two seasons in Primera Federación.
Aranbarri's arrival comes to fill the vacancy left by Beñat San José, whose departure has been imminent, heading to Rayo Vallecano. This move has caused surprise in the Armero environment, as the coach from San Sebastián had sealed his renewal until 2027 just two weeks ago.
However, the interest from the Madrid-based club and the payment of his release clause—close to 400,000 euros—have facilitated his move to the First Division. San José thus closes a notable spell at Ipurua, where he achieved a historic second half of the season with 43 points and left the team in eighth position in the standings.
Now, the coach from Azkoitia returns to Ipurua to lead the first team's project, bringing his demanding approach, ambition, and a deep understanding of the club's identity. In this new adventure, Aranbarri will not be alone: his coaching staff will include Andoni Azkargorta, a club insider, and former Athletic Club player and captain Mikel Balenziaga, as assistants.
The Armero club has expressed its best wishes for the coach in this new stage and announced that the date of his official presentation will be detailed in the coming days.
