Athletic Bilbao´s Basque only policy puts them is quite a distinct disadvantage in today´s more globalized football industry. They see themselves Although it is still early, and Athletic Bilbao once again see themselves fighting to avoid relegation (as them along with Real Madrid and Barcelona are the three teams that never played in second division). Their board of directors have to consider a short and long term plan in order to remain competitive in the Spanish top flight.
There is also a need for them to keep their nucleus together. This is why they are analyzing the extension of contracts of 18 players from their nucleus. Players like Amorebieta and Jaime Fernández had their contracts redone in order to stay with the club. Another player that is being looked at to have his contract renegotiated is Fernando Llorente as well as the much ballyhooed Markel Susaeta. This is just the tip of the iceberg as they will also have to look at 18 players prior to the end of the season in order to define their respective futures with the Basque giants.
There are players who are desperately needed such as the case with Yeste, Tiko, Iraola will be looked at as soon as possible. Then there are the verterans like Murillo, Del Olmo, Garmendia, and Joseba Etxeberria who will need to sit down with . Out of that group of four, according to sources, Exteberria is the only one being considered for the 2010 season.
Contract endings
2009– Murillo, Del Olmo, Garmendia, Etxeberria
2010– Lafuente, Iraola,Casas, Orbaiz, Yeste, Tiko, Muñoz, Gabilondo, Iturraspe, Susaeta, Ion Vélez, Iñigo, Toquero,
2011– Aitor Ocio, David López, Koikili, Llorente
2012– Iraizoz, Gurpegi, Balenziaga
2013– Ustaritz, Amorebieta
2014– Javi Martínez, Zubiaurre
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Juan, nice to see you writing about some of the smaller teams. It's early doors though, I wouldn't doom Athletic to relegation just yet.
Yes they are trying to sign their pearls. They just signed Amorebieta and Javi Mar. They are having talks with El Gallo Extebe. Markel Susaeta will probably be reupped sometime this season based on how he performs. The kid is class, but with just one season under his belt, they are being cautious.
Joseba Del Olmo is a new signing and still hasn't played in the first team this season.
The average age is around 24 years of age, so it is a young group that just needs polishing.
Del Olmo is a new signing, and not a veteran at all. The same with Garmendia; he is born in 1985. Murillo is born in 1983, but has been part of the squad for some seasons. You are though right about Etxebarria, he is a veteran. One out of four is correct; I am impressed!
Tiko is at loan to Eibar this season after hardly any games the last seasons; not desperately needed:)
And who the hell is Jaime Fernandez?
I think he meant Javi Martinez.