Athletic Club’s Strategic Focus Ahead of FIFA Window

Athletic Club approaches the upcoming FIFA window with the objective of enhancing performance and transforming the match against Oviedo into the first of a series of positive results. This is particularly crucial as, in the first week following the international break, the team faces a mandatory performance challenge in the Champions League against Slavia Prague, alongside league matches against Barcelona and Levante.

Looking ahead, the club is already considering the winter transfer market, which will allow for changes within the squad between January 2 and February 2. However, Athletic does not anticipate a tumultuous start to the new year, as it currently foresees only minimal transactions. The club is open to facilitating the departure of Izeta, who has already attracted inquiries from several Segunda teams. At this time, there are no plans to shorten the loan periods of Vencedor (Levante) and Peio Canales (Racing), as the management believes there is sufficient depth in the squad to address any unforeseen circumstances.

Izeta, 26 years old, is a forward who has seen little playing time this season, participating in only three matches, all at San Mamés, with a total of just 32 minutes on the pitch. Last season, he was loaned to Mirandés, where he scored 15 goals in 45 matches, prompting Athletic to extend his contract by two more seasons. He is not registered for the Champions League. Currently, the only exit appears to be Izeta, although inquiries have also been made regarding Nico Serrano, who has played seven matches totaling 180 minutes. However, given the challenging circumstances surrounding Nico Williams, who is dealing with pubalgia, as well as the injuries to Sancet and Iñaki Williams, it is advisable for Serrano to remain with the team.

The club’s plans for incoming players are notably conservative at this stage of the season. Athletic is not considering shortening the loan periods of any of their players to cover for Prados, who will be unavailable due to a knee injury for the duration of the season, leaving Valverde in search of alternatives in forward positions. The last loan that was cut short was Padilla’s, who returned from Mexico to join the team during the summer following Agirrezabala’s transfer to Valencia. The goalkeeper from Zarautz has yet to play this season, and it remains to be seen if he will have opportunities in the Supercopa or Copa.