Athletic’s technical secretariat, headed by the sports director, Rafa Alkorta, has work ahead in the short and medium term. Several lions end their contract in 2022 with different circumstances and times. To begin with, Dani García, permanent starter with Marcelino García Toral along with Unai Vencedor in the double pivot, the most veteran Óscar de Marcos and Mikel Balenziaga, more Ander Capa, right now relegated to ostracism by the push of Iñigo Lekue. What’s more, Raúl García also ends in June 2022, but with the exception that he has a 1 + 1 based on a series of objectives that it will surely meet.
Therefore, decisions will be made shortly in this regard in a policy of a la carte renewals such as the one recently sealed with Yuri Berchiche, tied up until 2024. The rojiblanco technical organization will call the representatives of Dani García shortly to sit at a table and remain linked. Both parties seem condemned to understand each other, being right now a fixed piece in their gear. “I am happy for Yuri, he is a great player, a great friend, and if he has had the renewal it is because he has earned it on the field, the rest of us will have to do it. Whatever has to come will come, but it does not depend on me” , said the Zumarraga midfielder, waiting for that first contact to bring positions closer.
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of October 13, 2021
The subject of Ander Capa seems more delicate. They met a year and a half ago to explore the matter, they did not reach an agreement in its duration and were summoned for later. But between the pandemic, other priorities, a pesky meniscus injury and the fact that they have signed Pecharroman and push from behind Álvaro Núñez, the right-back position is heavily populated. A meeting between both parties is pending to analyze the situation. Cases of De Marcos and Balenziaga will be analyzed as the competition progresses for his seniority. So far they have more than fulfilled, so another rojiblancos campaign cannot be ruled out. Laguardia’s own side and Zumarraga’s left-hander have spoken about it, pointing out that it will depend on whether both parties wish in agreement and that there will be no problems otherwise.