Kenyan international Ismael Gonzalez Athuman is set to leave Spanish third-tier side AD Mérida and return to La Liga club UD Las Palmas at the end of the 2024-2025 season, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
The 30-year-old central defender has reached a mutual agreement with AD Mérida not to extend his contract beyond the current campaign. He joined the club in the January transfer window on a six-month deal and is now preparing for his next move.
Athuman to Sign Two-Year Deal with Las Palmas
A source close to Paquito Terry, Athuman’s agent, has confirmed that negotiations with Las Palmas are at an advanced stage. The Spanish club is prepared to offer Athuman a two-year contract, marking his return to a team he previously played for between 2018 and 2021.
“There is an agreement with Las Palmas that Athuman will move in the summer as a free agent. His agent, Paquito Terry, and Las Palmas held intense talks on Tuesday before finalizing a two-year contract. A deal in principle will be signed this week, and he will officially join the club in June 2025,” a source exclusively told The Nerve Africa.
Athuman’s Career and Stats
Since joining AD Mérida in January 2024, Athuman has made eight appearances across all competitions. Before that, he played for Águilas FC, where he featured in 23 matches, scoring three goals.
Over the years, he has built a solid career in Spanish football, representing clubs such as:
- UD Las Palmas
- CE Sabadell
- Real Murcia
- Fuenlabrada
- Recreativo Granada
- CP Cacereño
Across these teams, Athuman has accumulated over 140 professional appearances, reinforcing his experience in the Spanish football system.
Kenya National Team: Harambee Stars Defender Ready for World Cup Qualifiers
On the international stage, Athuman has been a key figure for the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars. Since making his senior debut in 2016, he has earned 11 competitive caps.
The defender has been included in the squad set to face Gambia and Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiersthis month, as Kenya looks to boost its chances of securing a spot at the global tournament.
