 After three years, Karanka was transferred to fellow league side Sporting de Gijón, where his form deteriorated, scoring only twice in 33 matches in two seasons combined.In January 2008 he joined Real Unión in Irun, moving in August to another division three team, UE Sant Andreu.Karanka split the 2009–10 campaign between CD Guijuelo and Orihuela CF also in the third tier, netting just three goals combined.