The immediate future of Athletic is uncertain. The lions are playing for Europe, Marcelino ends his contract on June 30 and the rojiblanco club will experience presidential elections next month. From what happens at the polls, a new scenario will open that can affect both the bench and the squad level. To date, in any case, the only ones who end their relationship with the Ibaigane entity this summer are the coach and Ander Capa.
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MARCELLIN
Coach – 56 years
The Asturian coach ends his contract with Athletic on June 30. Most of the players in the current squad have expressed themselves in favor of his continuity, but he does not seem to have the issue so clear as there is an election for the presidency in between. His name has also sounded in the orbit of Atlético de Madrid and even the Spanish team, but he claims not to have any offer on the table. The current president would like to leave him refreshed.
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ANDER CAPE
Right back – 30 years
He has been in white all season despite being in the proper conditions to compete. He rejected a renewal offer at the time and the club has not resumed negotiations despite ending his contract on June 30. Marcelino does not want him, but his situation could change depending on whether a new coach arrives.
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JOKIN EZKIETA
Goalkeeper – 25 years
He is, along with Capa, the only component of the first team that has not enjoyed minutes this season. Marcelino even opted for Agirrezabala, the subsidiary’s goalkeeper, both in some league games and in the Cup. His contract ends in 2023, but he could leave earlier.
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INIGO MARTINEZ
Defense – 30 years
Elizegi is going to end his time as president of Athletic without having extended the Atletico international defender’s contract, a contract that expires in June 2023. The new managers of the Ibaigane entity will have to negotiate with the left-handed center-back, a key player in the team, to try to keep it longer in Bilbao. A tricky issue because if he doesn’t do it he will be free.
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OIER ZARRAGA
Midfielder – 23 years old
Another of the players that Athletic tried in his day to offer him a longer contract and did not accept. The current one expires on June 30, 2023. This season he has been gaining prominence in the first team, although without sufficient continuity. Marcelino has not counted much on his services.
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UNAI NUÑEZ
Defense – 25 years
A good central defender who has had very little participation this season under Marcelino. Unai Nuñez does not feel comfortable with his current role and would need a change of scenery to find the minutes he demands. Everything will be subject to the new or non-tenant of the rojiblanco bench. He has a contract until 2025.
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ASIER VILLALIBRE
Striker – 24 years
Another of the lions whose contract ends in 2023. El Búfalo de Gernika has barely had a leading role this season. Injuries have hampered his performance, which has also prevented him from enjoying continuity. Villalibre needs minutes to continue claiming.
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PERU NOLASKOAIN
Defense or midfielder – 23 years
Another lion whose injuries have taken their toll. After spending more than a year with hardly any competition, the now player on loan to Amorebieta seems to have returned through his rights. This season, before leaving for Urritxe, he had minutes with Athletic. A footballer with great projection if the ankle does not give him more trouble. At the moment he will do the preseason in Lezama.
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IÑIGO CORDOBA
Forward -25 years-
The player from Bilbao has grown in football after his arrival at the Dutch Go Ahead Eagles. His growth at the level of play and goals scored by him has made him one of the references in the Eredivisie. Marcelino opted to loan him out to Alavés after arriving at Athletic, but a knee injury prevented him from performing well for the Babazorro team. This year, however, he is breaking out in the Eredivisie. He will do the preseason in Lezama.
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THE OTHERS ON HAND
Iñigo Vicente, Imanol and Morcillo
The first two currently play for Mirandés under the command of Joseba Etxeberria. The third is currently on loan at Valladolid. The rojillos are having a lot of minutes, the albivioleta not so many. At the moment they will be summoned to carry out the preseason. Then it will be seen.
