Midfielder Mikel Jauregizar reaffirms his commitment to Athletic and says that even if Barça made him an offer, he would turn it down. Nico Williams' contract renewal sets a trend at Lezama and strengthens the club's identity.

A very significant “no”

The message is clear and direct: in Bilbao, identity takes priority over big contracts. Mikel Jauregizar, a 21-year-old midfielder, made this clear at a press conference in Lezama: “If I received an offer from Barça, I would say no.”

The statement by the young man from Bermeo is not just a simple phrase, but confirmation of a culture that is gaining strength at Athletic Club: that of protecting its talents not with clauses, but with loyalty.

Nico Williams as a symbol of a new era

The summer brought one of the most celebrated renewals for the Athletic Bilbao fans: Nico Williams extended his contract until 2031, rejecting lucrative offers from abroad and also from Spain.

This gesture has resonated with the squad, and Jauregizar acknowledges it:

“It shows how proud we are to play for Athletic, how much we love this club, and how excited we are about this project. Hopefully, no one will ever want to leave.”

The club's culture stands in stark contrast to clubs like Barcelona, whose attempts have been met with a wall of commitment in Bilbao. It's a symbolic blow that reinforces the idea that Athletic not only trains players, but also shapes convictions.

Athletic, more than just a club for its youth players

The case of Jauregizar reflects a paradigm shift: far from being tempted by million-dollar contracts, young Athletic players find motivation in growing with the club that trained them.

The phrase “playing for Athletic is the dream of every young person in the Euskal Herria” is not just a slogan, but a statement that today translates into reality: long-term contracts, solid projects, and a generation convinced of its place.