Jon Uriarte: “Returning to Europe is the goal; we’re all on board with that”
Jon Uriarte: “Returning to Europe is the goal; we’re all on board with that”
The chairman and the director of football, Mikel González, have reviewed the transfer window, which has seen more than 15 million in fixed fees from outgoing transfers, and believe that Terzić has already shown that he “fits in perfectly with our style”
Athletic Club’s president, Jon Uriarte, and the general manager of football, Mikel González, held a press conference at San Mamés to announce the sporting objectives of our first teams for the 2026/27 season: to qualify for European competition in the case of the men’s team and to finish in the top five of Liga F for the women’s team.
“Returning to Europe is the objective; everyone is on board with that,” said Jon Uriarte. The president emphasised that Athletic have “a great, very well-rounded squad”, featuring three world champions and led by Edin Terzic: “He is a manager who fits in perfectly with our style.”
Uriarte also highlighted the squad’s internal development and the role of Lezama. “Our new signings this season are Canales, ‘Gere’, Rincón, Johaneko… The first three are much better players today than they were a year ago, and Johaneko is showing our Bilbao Athletic players that it is possible to make the step up to the first team.” The club will, in any case, remain on the lookout for transfer market opportunities that will enable it to strengthen the squad.
The chairman also highlighted the work carried out regarding player departures, with over 15 million from transfers and savings on wages, as well as potential future income from certain deals.
“We have a squad budget on a par with that of LaLiga clubs competing in Europe. That must be our benchmark,” Uriarte emphasised. The team is also still undergoing a process of renewal: of the 28 players who were part of the 2024 Cup-winning side, 14 are no longer at Athletic.
For the president, the squad strikes a good balance between experience, maturity and youth. “Last year’s disappointment must serve as both a spur and a warning,” he noted.
LaLiga will once again be the main route to Europe: “It is the league where consistency counts, and it is always our priority.” In the Copa, Athletic will approach the competition without setting any limits.
Mikel González subsequently analysed the composition of the squad, its development compared to previous seasons and the various options available to Edin Terzic.
“We have a well-balanced and complete squad to achieve our set objectives once again. There have been 15 players promoted to the professional ranks, from both the first team and the second team, to form a squad of 26 players in the men’s first team, taking into account Egiluz’s long-term injury. Eighteen players have already started matches this season, 19 if we include Maroan in the postponed match against Levante. Only two field-players have not yet featured – Prados and Rego, both of whom have a proven track record,” said the general manager of football.
‘We need to become stronger, especially at San Mamés. The team is in more control of matches, conceding far fewer chances and keeping three clean sheets. We’re only six matchdays in; there’s room for improvement, and we need a little more time to see Terzic’s team at their best,’ added Mikel González.
Women’s first team
Regarding the women’s first team, Uriarte highlighted the youth and potential of a squad facing the season with Víctor Martín as their new manager.
“It’s a squad that needs to develop; it’s young, yes, but we have to set high standards to achieve the best possible results,” he said.
The chairman highlighted the players returning from loan spells and the new signings from the youth ranks, and gave a positive assessment of the league start: “We’ve had a positive start in terms of results, as we’re among the top teams. It’s important to consolidate the squad’s potential so that we can realise this team’s full potential.”
Following last season’s disappointment, the aim is to compete at the top of the table once again. “We believe that, in terms of potential, this team can finish in the top five of the table,” said Uriarte. In the Copa, the aim is once again to go as far as possible.
Mikel González then analysed the composition, development and potential of the women’s squad.
“100 per cent of the available players have already featured in just four matchdays. It’s a well-balanced squad, with plenty of competition, and a new coaching staff who are doing a great job and still have two international players to bring back. They need to fight to finish in the top five,” said the general manager of football.