Athletic Club wants to steal a star player from Real Sociedad

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22/11/25 18:30:00

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Ander Barrenetxea is at the epicenter of a possible explosive chapter in Basque rivalry. Athletic Club has set its sights on the young winger from Real Sociedad as a key addition for the 2026-27 season, at the express request of Ernesto Valverde, as reported by El Nacional.

Valverde believes that Barrenetxea embodies the perfect profile to complete an offensive triangle alongside Iñaki and Nico Williams, or to fill in the attacking midfielder role if Oihan Sancet eventually leaves Bilbao. This interest opens the door to an unusual exchange between neighboring clubs, which has seen few direct movements until now.

Ander Barrenetxea and the offensive bet of Athletic Club

The intentions from Lezama are clear: Valverde aims to reinforce a versatile and dynamic attacking line, where Ander Barrenetxea, with his ability to alternate between wing dribbling and inside play, becomes a key piece.

The coach advocates for a high-pressing style, increasing pace, and quick connections in the offensive zone, a scheme in which the player from San Sebastian could shine. If Sancet moves to the Premier League, Barrenetxea would step in as a tactical wildcard, capable of acting as a winger or attacking midfielder.

Ander Barrenetxea's status at Real Sociedad and the challenge it poses

At Real Sociedad, Ander Barrenetxea is experiencing one of his best periods. At 23 years old, the winger has impressive stats this season: 1 goal and 3 assists in the first 9 league matches, showing tactical maturity and versatility in various positions.

His development has solidified him as one of the most disruptive pieces in Sergio Francisco's system. However, his contract with the club from San Sebastian runs until the summer of 2030, with a release clause set at 75 million euros, complicating any attempt to transfer him.

Negotiation dynamics and the challenges of the operation

The operation won't be simple for Athletic Club. Relations between Real Sociedad and Bilbao are cold when it comes to direct transfers, especially involving key figures from the rival team. This time, Ander Barrenetxea brings all the elements of a high-voltage deal: local talent, growing performance, and a very high market value.

Therefore, in Bilbao, they trust that the player's desire and the sports project might tilt the balance. Valverde has already communicated his request to the sports management, although it's understood that Athletic needs to present a convincing and competitive project to have a chance at signing him.

Institutional factors, economic costs, and the resistance from the club in San Sebastian make this move an "almost impossible...yet not ruled out" operation. If Athletic Club manages to secure Ander Barrenetxea, it would show their model based on local talent and offensive commitment. For Real Sociedad, seeing their young promise go to their rivals would be both an emotional and strategic blow to the team.

Ultimately, the negotiation for Ander Barrenetxea is a true showdown in Basque terms: talent, rivalry, youth academy, and project. The outcome will determine whether Athletic Club takes a bold step towards a new offensive era, or if Real Sociedad strengthens its resolve to retain its gems and protect its local identity.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Athletic Club quiere robarle un crack a la Real Sociedad