Unai Gómez renews contract until 2028

Athletic Club attacking midfielder Unai Gómez has put pen to paper on a new deal keeping him at the club until 30 June 2028. The 20-year-old signed his new agreement at San Mames on Thursday evening.

Unai first came to Lezama at Under-11 level before leaving to continue his development at local side Danok Bat. He returned to Athletic as a 16-year-old and made his senior debut in this season's LaLiga opener.

The midfielder admitted he was delighted to sign a long-term contract with the club he has supported all his life.

"This is a dream come true," he said. "I have always dreamed of playing for Athletic's first team and I really appreciate the fact that the Club is backing me for five more seasons.

"I've just started. I've only played four games in the top flight and I hope that this contract will be the first of more beautiful experiences that I'll have over the next few years."

Gómez made a starting debut against Real Madrid at San Mames in August, Ernesto Valverde rewarding the player for a promising pre-season. The youngster recently bagged his first offical goal as a Lion, scoring in Athletic's comeback win over Real Betis in Bilbao on Matchday 3. He was also on the scoresheet during the Zurigorri's 3-2 loss to Celtic FC in our friendly at Celtic Park.

In line with the policy set out by the Board of Directors for new contracts, Unai's deal includes objective-based bonuses.

Mikel González, Athletic's director of football, pointed out that Unai is a player "with a present and a future".

He continued: "Unai can play in midfield or behind the striker. He fits the Athletic player profile 100% due to his intensity and tempo in defensive and offensive phases. He is strong, gets into the box and has a good long shot. What's more, he's intuitive, clever and doesn't take a lot of touches.

"He has hunger and ambition to grow at Athletic. We know that he identifies with the Club and our values."