Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao

[AJ_Josh]

The Athletic Bilbao Squad and formation

Starting XI
unai simon
andoni gorosabel daniel vivian yeray yuri berchiche
mikel jauregizar inigo ruiz de galarreta
inaki williams oihan sancet nico williams
gorka guruzeta



Subs


Goalkeeper
julen agirrezabala


Defenders
aitor paredes hugo rincon adama boiro unai eguiluz


Midfielders
alex berenguer benat prados unai venecedor mikel vesga unai gomez peio canales


Forwards
alvaro djalo maroan sannadi nico serrano izeta

[AJ_Josh]

Laporte Returns to Athletic Club in £18 Million Deal
By: Jesus Madone | July 22, 2025

Athletic Club have confirmed the return of Aymeric Laporte, completing a transfer worth £18 million ahead of the 2025–26 season. The move brings the experienced defender back to San Mamés eight years after leaving for Manchester City in 2018.

Laporte, now 31, spent five successful years in the Premier League, winning multiple domestic titles under Pep Guardiola, before joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023. His decision to return to Bilbao marks one of the most notable homecomings in recent La Liga history.

“I always said Athletic was my home,” Laporte stated at his unveiling. “To wear this shirt again is special, and I want to help the club compete at the highest level.”

The signing aligns with Athletic’s unique recruitment policy, which limits the club to players of Basque origin. Laporte, born in Agen, France, but developed
through Athletic’s academy system, perfectly fits this tradition. His experience in both the Premier League and international football with Spain adds strength to Ernesto Valverde’s back line.

The £18 million fee is one of the largest in Athletic’s recent transfer history, reflecting both Laporte’s quality and the ambition of the club as it
enters the 2025 season under new manager Andoni Iraola. Supporters have hailed the move as a statement of intent, especially with Athletic returning to European competition.

Laporte is expected to slot directly into the starting XI, likely partnering Dani Vivian in central defense. His aerial dominance, distribution, and leadership are viewed as essential assets as Athletic push for another top-four La Liga finish.

The signing not only strengthens the squad on the pitch but also reconnects Athletic with one of its most prominent academy graduates, underlining the club’s philosophy of building with local talent while competing at the highest level.


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[Agent]

Welcome back to the club!

[Soapy]

this should be intriguing with the transfer rules.

side note, bump that font size up my boy

[AJ_Josh]

this should be intriguing with the transfer rules.

side note, bump that font size up my boy

Just updated the post above. Look better?

[AJ_Josh]

Athletic Bilbao Face Grueling August to start 2025 Season

By: Jesus Madone | July 28, 2025

Athletic Club will begin the 2025–26 campaign with one of the most difficult opening stretches in La Liga. The Basque side, fresh off a return to the Champions League, will face a brutal sequence of fixtures that could shape their season before it truly begins.

Opening at Barcelona
Bilbao’s first test comes away at Barcelona, a daunting assignment given the Catalan club’s strength at Camp Nou and their title ambitions. A positive result here would immediately signal Athletic’s intent.

Villarreal at San Mamés
The home opener against Villarreal will offer no respite. Villarreal, consistently a European contender, possess both attacking firepower and tactical discipline that have troubled Athletic in recent seasons.

Atletico Madrid Away
Andoni Iraola’s men then travel to the capital for a clash with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Matches at the Metropolitano are notoriously physical and draining, presenting another major hurdle in the early calendar.

Real Betis at San Mamés
The fourth match pits Bilbao against Real Betis. With Manuel Pellegrini’s squad pushing for top-six finishes in recent years, Betis promise to test Bilbao’s depth and resilience at home.

Champions League Looming

Adding further weight to the early fixtures is the looming Champions League group stage draw, scheduled shortly after the Betis match. Athletic’s return to Europe’s elite competition is cause for celebration, but it also raises concerns about rotation and squad management. Balancing the demands of La Liga and the Champions League will be a defining challenge for new manager Andoni Iraola.



If you like this, please share

[Soapy]

this should be intriguing with the transfer rules.

side note, bump that font size up my boy

Just updated the post above. Look better?

Yes, thanks brodie

[AJ_Josh]

[AJ_Josh]

[AJ_Josh]

Adama Boiro to miss three months after injury

By: Jesus Madone | August 30, 2025

Athletic Club will be without backup left back Adama Boiro after the defender broke his toe against Villarreal. Adama came on as a sub against Barcelona and then started the second match of the season.

Despite making an error to lead to Villarreal's only goal, Adama played a solid defensive performance and was making the decision hard for his new manager, Androni Iroala for who should be the starting left back against Atletico Madrid this weekend. After suffering a broken toe, Adama will be out three months. Athletic Club will be left with Yuri Berchiche as the first teams only left back. Left winger Alex Berenguer filled in when Adama went off last weekend and did well enough to be a possible option over the next three months.



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