Lekue to stay at Athletic Club until June 2026
Lekue to stay at Athletic Club until June 2026
The Zurigorri defender extends his commitment to the first team and prolongs a career that has now spanned more than a decade
Athletic Club defender Iñigo Lekue has put pen to paper on a one-year extension, keeping him with Los Leones until 30 June 2026.
The full-back, who arrived to Lezama from local youth side Danok Bat in 2012, signed his agreement at San Mames on Saturday morning alongside club president Jon Uriarte and director of football Mikel González.
With 262 official games under his belt, 53 of them played in the last two seasons, Lekue has established himself as a key player due to his ability to play in different positions on the pitch. A regular at full-back on both flanks this year, he has put some remarkable performances in this final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign.
Lekue couldn't hide his pride at being able to continue wearing the famous red and white stripes.
"For me, this renewal is everything, both professionally and personally. To continue to live this dream is spectacular," he said.
"This team's level of competitiveness this season is something I haven't experienced before. It's true that last season, we won the Copa after a 40-year wait, we took out La Gabarra and got back into Europe and it was unforgettable, but in terms of consistency, this year is the best I've seen."
Mikel González underlined the value of keeping a player with influence on and off the pitch.
He added: "Iñigo had a lot more prominence last season, among the eleven with the most minutes. This year, despite having played less, he has been very important on a day-to-day basis and has had the mental strength to continue working as hard as ever, setting an example.
"He's waited for his chance, being a starter and performing well in very important games in this final stage of the campaign. He covers both flanks. He has become the second captain, he reflects and exemplifies Athletic's values to perfection."
One of the current team leaders in the dressing room, Lekue made his senior debut under Ernesto Valverde in the historic 4-0 win over FC Barcelona in the 2015 Super Cup, the first of the three trophies Iñigo has won at Athletic.
This contract renewal is in line with club policy, combining a basic salary with objectives linked to performance on the pitch.