Dec 1, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Spain forward Nico Williams (12) controls the ball against Japan during the first half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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Athletic Club 2025–26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect, and More

Athletic Club enter the new campaign buoyed by a solid 2024–25 season in which they competed strongly in LaLiga and secured a return to European football. Ernesto Valverde’s side once again showcased their trademark blend of youth and experience, finishing comfortably in the top half of the table. The emergence of Oihan Sancet as the team’s leading scorer, coupled with Nico Williams pledging his future to the club, has supporters in Bilbao dreaming of an even bigger step forward.

🤝 𝗧𝗮, 𝗔𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱!

❤️ Eskerrik asko @LFC y a todos sus aficionados por un día de fútbol magnífico en Anfield.

Ambiente extraordinario 🏟️

🤝 Best of luck for the season ahead!#LFCAthletic #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/nrOO3V8Zew
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) August 4, 2025

New Signings and Team Updates

Goalkeeper & Defence
Athletic’s business in defence focused on ensuring squad depth and fresh competition for places. The most notable arrival is Jesús Areso, signed for €12 million from Osasuna to strengthen the right side of defence and provide another athletic outlet in Valverde’s preferred system. Areso is expected to slot straight into the rotation, offering energy and reliability.

At the other end of the defensive timeline, long-serving veteran Óscar de Marcos has retired, closing the chapter on a storied career with the club. Meanwhile, J. Agirrezabala departed on loan to Valencia to secure more consistent minutes in goal.

Midfield
Midfield options were bolstered by the addition of M. Sannadi from Alavés for €3 million in February. The 23-year-old is a versatile presence capable of operating in a deeper or box-to-box role, and his signing reflects Athletic’s focus on maintaining a core of homegrown and Basque talent.

Robert Navarro, brought in on a free transfer from Mallorca in July, will add an injection of creativity and technical skill in the central areas, potentially allowing Sancet to play higher up the pitch more regularly.

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Attack
Nico Williams’ long-term future dominated headlines throughout the summer. After months of speculation linking him to Barcelona, the electrifying winger signed a new contract through 2035, underlining his commitment to Athletic and ensuring the club retains one of Europe’s most exciting wide players.

Williams registered 18 goal involvements across all competitions last season, while his older brother Iñaki Williams contributed eight assists—the most in the squad. Leading the scoring charts, Oihan Sancet netted 15 times in LaLiga alone, continuing his progression into one of the league’s most dangerous attacking midfielders.

Departures in attack included Javi Martón, who left on loan spells before completing a permanent move, and Álvaro Djaló, who joined Porto on loan to gain experience at a higher level.

🚀 ¡La alegría y pasión de nuestro equipo Genuine ha invadido el @GenuineWC de Houston!

No hay mayor título que veros disfrutar.

🫂 Zuetaz oso harro, txapeldunak!#AthleticClubFundazioa ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iipeNg5tAq
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) August 2, 2025

What to Expect from Athletic Club

Athletic Club have stability, continuity, and a promising mix of young talent and experienced leaders. Valverde’s philosophy of proactive pressing and quick transitions remains firmly in place, and the retention of key players like Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet gives them a platform to build on last season’s consistency.

Sancet will once again be the central figure, having finished as the team’s top scorer and leading contributor overall with 16 combined goals and assists. The Williams brothers provide pace and unpredictability, while fresh additions such as Areso and Navarro deepen the squad in crucial areas.

ALSO READ: Borussia Dortmund 2025–26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect, and More

If Athletic can maintain their level and find a bit more composure in decisive moments, a return to European competition—and perhaps an outside push for a Champions League spot—looks well within reach. This season represents an opportunity to take the next step. In Bilbao, optimism is growing that under Valverde, this team is ready to do just that.