Football Season Guide

Athletic Club secured a return to the Champions League as they enjoyed their best season since 2013/14 to finish fourth in La Liga in 2024/25. Coach Ernesto Valverde remains the key figure to this club and his return has enabled the team to return to heights of his former spell in charge. At the heart of his philosophy has been the defence. No team conceded fewer goals last season than Athletic's 29 goals, and they'll be keen to repeat that despite the current suspension to starting central defender Yeray Alvarez over a positive doping test result which is under appeal. This summer's big headline surrounded a new contract for Nico Williams, keeping the star winger at the club despite interest from Barcelona. Beyond that, their business has been relatively quiet, with Jesus Areso and Robert Navarro proven options to strengthen the right flank. Williams' decision could be pivotal as Athletic scored the fewest of any of the top seven last season, and have not added any new first-team attackers this summer. In addition, attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet could miss the first six weeks of the season with a knee injury. Five consecutive defeats in pre-season will mean that they are breathing a sigh of relief at a light fixture list, with none of last season's top five in the schedule until November. With added fixture demands from European football, Athletic will have some time to adjust.