Athletic Bilbao Dismiss Gonzalo Higuain Summer Transfer Rumours
Mar 4, 2020
LYON, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Gonzalo Higuain of Juventus sits on the bench during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Olympique Lyon and Juventus at Parc Olympique on February 26, 2020 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao director Rafa Alkorta has dismissed speculation Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain could join the club as a free agent this summer, saying the Argentinian doesn't meet their strict Basque-only policy.
Marca's Juanma Velasco reported Athletic could be shock suitors for the striker in the summer, noting he has Basque ancestry on his father's side.
Alkorta quickly dismissed those reports in an interview with Onda Cero (h/t Football Italia), however: "In order to sign for us, you must've been either born or formed as a player here. If you do not fit these rules, then it doesn't count. I don't know if one day those rules could be modified, but right now, that is what they are."
Athletic Bilbao supporters cheer their team during a footall match at San Mames stadium in the Spanish Basque city of Bilbao, on February 12, 2020. - The all-seater football stadium of San Mames in Bilbao, also known as
Higuain will also not be a free agent this summer―his current contract runs until 2021.
Athletic are the last remaining team in La Liga who have a Basque-only policy, meaning they only sign players who were born in the Basque Country or were trained at a Basque club.
They have bent their rules at times to sign the likes of Aymeric Laporte, but most of the time they adhere to them strictly:
Higuain was born in the French city of Brest, which lies well north of the French Basque Country. His father revealed the links to the region 15 years ago, per Velasco: "My grandfather was of Basque-French origin. My father always told me that my grandfather had taught him that the Basques are neither Spanish nor French, only Basque."
The 32-year-old Higuain is in his second spell with Juventus, returning to the club in the summer after loan stints with AC Milan and Chelsea.
He has been in and out of the team throughout the 2019-20 campaign, with manager Maurizio Sarri continuing to tinker with his formations and starting XI.
Higuain has scored five goals during the Serie A campaign, including this pivotal strike against Inter:
His play has regressed as the season has worn on, however, with just one goal since the turn of the year. Sarry has mostly relied on the duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala up front.
A summer move is a possibility, although Juventus have limited depth in the attacking third and no prospects ready to step into the first team. With one year remaining on his contract, a minimal fee might be enough to convince the Bianconeri to sell if they can find a solid replacement.
Iker Muniain, Athletic Bilbao Top Granada in Copa Del Rey Semi-Final Leg 1
Feb 12, 2020
BILBAO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Iker Muniain of Athletic Bilbao, Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao celebrate goal during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Athletic de Bilbao v Granada at the Estadio San Mames on February 12, 2020 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao have the edge at the halfway point of their Copa del Rey semi-final with Granada, winning the first leg 1-0 at San Mames on Wednesday.
In front of a lively crowd, Athletic were on top throughout the entirety of the first half. They got the reward their dominance deserved through Iker Muniain in the 42nd minute, with the winger converting after some slick approach play.
In the second period, the hosts looked the most likely to net again, although couldn't increase their advantage. They thought they had twice, but both Yeray Alvarez and Ander Capa saw brilliant efforts ruled out for offside.
The second semi-final first leg is between Real Sociedad and Mirandes on Thursday. The second leg between those sides will be played on March 4, with Athletic travelling to Granada a day later.
Following their memorable win over Barcelona in the previous round, it was no shock to see San Mames buzzing hours before the match got underway.
The Bilbao Twitter account posted the following clip of some of the scenes from outside the stadium:
With a raucous atmosphere behind them, Athletic started the stronger of the two sides, with Granada backed up and defending for their lives in the early stages.
Inaki Williams was causing a number of problems for the visitors with his searing speed and close control. It was Mikel Vesga who had the first big chance for the Bilbao outfit, though, with his shot blocked by Granada keeper Rui Silva.
Williams was key to Athletic opening the scoring, though. With three minutes to go in the first half, the forward played in a perfect cross and Muniain was on hand to covert from close range.
Per Spanish football writer Rik Sharma, the home side were consistently making inroads down the flanks through Williams:
At half time, OptaJose reflected on a dominant performance from Gaizka Garitano's team:
In the early stages of the second period, Athletic thought they had doubled their lead when Alvarez controlled and finished with aplomb. However, his celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag.
Ander Capa then volleyed home for the hosts, prompting more significant celebrations. However, after a lengthy VAR review, it was deemed that Williams was interfering with play in an offside position:
Granada continued to offer little as an attacking threat, with their mindset seemingly geared towards keeping the scoreline down ahead of the second leg.
With the away side sat back, the irrepressible Williams continued to tear forward and he came close to doubling Athletic's advantage when he fired a rasping shot at goal, only to see Silva push it away.
In the latter stages, both teams appeared content with the scoreline, setting up a tense second leg for supporters at Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes next month.
What's Next?
Athletic are back at San Mames on Sunday, when they host Osasuna in La Liga. Granada are also at home this weekend, with Real Valladolid the visitors.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Granada: 2020 Copa del Rey Leg 1 Live Stream, Odds, More
Feb 11, 2020
Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams runs during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Valladolid at San Mames stadium in Bilbao, northern Spain, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)
Athletic Bilbao welcome Granada in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday in the Basque Country.
The Lions caused one of the shocks of the competition when they eliminated Barcelona with a 1-0 win at San Mames.
Nazaries booked their place in the last four after a 2-1 victory over Valencia, with the semi-final second leg to be held in Andalusia on March 5.
Odds: Bilbao 83-100, Granada 15-4, draw 12-5 (per Caesars)
Preview
BILBAO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 06: Iker Muniain of Athletic Club competes for the ball with Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Athletic Club de Bilbao and FC Barcelona at Estadio de San M
Athletic Club are 23-time winners of the Copa del Rey, and their pedigree in the competition has seen them claim the trophy on more occasions than Real Madrid.
Barca are the only club with more cup success than Bilbao. The Spanish champions couldn't deny the Lions' progression in the previous round.
Despite being one of Spain's historical giants, Bilbao have struggled in the top flight since their last La Liga title success in 1983-84, which also saw them win the double.
Since then, the club have used the cup as a route to prolong their campaigns, and they have ended the season as finalists four times.
Bilbao are currently 10th in La Liga, and the Copa is now their best chance of success. Granada began the campaign playing exceptional football, briefly topping the table. However, their form has slid since October.
GRANADA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 04: Carlos Fernandez of Granada CF in action during the Copa del Rey quarter final match between Granada CF and Valencia CF on February 04, 2020 in Granada, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The Andalusian team won six of their opening 10 La Liga fixtures, but multiple defeats have crushed what could have been a historic league campaign. They will now search for solace in the cup.
Granada's 2-1 win in the last eight over a strong Valencia team proved they can beat tough opposition, but the elongated two-leg format of the semi-finals might count against them.
Bilbao will be keen to earn a telling first-leg advantage against a club which has spent most of its existence in the Segunda Division.
Granada have reached the Copa final just once, when they lost 4-1 to Barca in 1958-59. A spot in this year's final would be a huge achievement for the minnows after years of fighting relegation battles at the end of each season.
Prediction: Bilbao 2-1 win in first leg.
Inaki Williams Says He Was Racially Abused During Athletic vs. Espanyol
Jan 25, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Inaki Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Athletic Club at RCDE Stadium on January 25, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams said he was racially abused during the 1-1 draw against Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday.
Reuters' Richard Martin shared Williams' comments after the match, while the player also took to social media with a "Say No to Racism" message:
Iñaki Williams after Athletic game v Espanyol: "I'm sad because of the draw but above all because I suffered racist insults, no black player or any player wants to hear that. It's completely out of order people should go to matches to enjoy themselves abd to support their team.."
According to the Spanish Football Podcast, Williams reported the abuse to his captain, Iker Muniain, who informed the referee during the match. The game continued after the complaint, and the official made no note of the incident in his post-match report:
There were racist chants against Iñaki Williams in the game against Athletic in Cornella today. He told Athletic captain Iker Muniain who informed the referee. The game finished 1-1. https://t.co/1ybICS6U1c
Refs report from Espanyol v Athletic - where Inaki Williams told officials he'd been racially abused - says 'none' in spot for 'extras to report' pic.twitter.com/jWzvIIUYSG
La Liga president Javier Tebas condemned the abuse (h/t football writer Colin Millar):
La Liga chief condemns racist insults at Espanyol alongside the violence on the streets outside both Espanyol-Athletic and Valencia-Barcelona. Says league will work along with clubs to eradicate this. https://t.co/0JOg2vM9SG
The 25-year-old Williams has spent his entire professional career with Athletic, a club known for its strict Basque-only player policy. He was the first black player to score for the side and has been a regular since making his debut in 2014.
As sports writers Sid Lowe and Andrew Gaffney noted, Spanish football has a bad track record when it comes to dealing with incidents of racist abuse during matches:
And what happened to the protocol of making an announcement at least? As always under Tebas' rule, bad things are swept under the carpet and ignored.
Since UEFA instituted its three-step protocol to combat racist abuse during matches, only one fixture in Spain's top two divisions has been halted. In December, the match between Rayo Vallecano and Albacete was abandoned after Roman Zozulya, a white forward from Ukraine, was accused of being a Nazi by Rayo fans.
Athletic's Asier Villalibre and Raul de Tomas of Espanyol scored the goals in Saturday's draw. Athletic are now seventh in the table, while Espanyol are just one point ahead of last-placed Leganes.
Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams: 'I Had Contact from Manchester United'
Sep 11, 2019
BILBAO, SPAIN - AUGUST 30: Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad at the Estadio San Mames on August 30, 2019 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has said he was contacted by Manchester United before penning a new nine-year deal at the San Mames Stadium in August.
The 25-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford before committing his future to Athletic, per BBC Sport.
He has now said he was in contact with United but added he plans to stay at Bilbao for his entire career, per Cadena SER's El Larguero programme (h/t Football Espana):"I had contact from Manchester United, but I cannot tell you who it was. My number one option has always been to stay at Athletic Club and to retire here. Joining Real Sociedad? No, I could never go there. One hundred percent."
An Athletic Bilbao youth graduate, Williams has been a key part of the club's senior side since the 2014-15 season, and he has played a part in every one of their La Liga games since the end of the 2015-16 season:
Iñaki Williams has played 122 consecutive LaLiga games, the longest streak by any player in the 21st century.
Iñaki Williams has clocked the fastest speed in @LaLiga so far this season: 34.37km/h
He enjoyed his most prolific season to date in 2018-19, when he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in the Spanish top flight.
United are arguably lacking in depth in attack after both Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez joined Inter Milan, though summer signing Daniel James has started his United career in fine fashion:
Daniel James per game in the Premier League so far this season:
Still, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial to increase their output in front of goal this term if the Red Devils are to break the Premier League's top four again.
Williams could have been a fine addition to United's squad to make up for the goals lost by the departure of Lukaku, and his remarkable pace would have made him a good fit in Solskjaer's system.
However, the Bilbao-born forward has now made it quite clear he does not want to leave Athletic, and the £125 million release clause included in his latest contract is likely to ward of most suitors.
Inaki Williams Signs 9-Year Athletic Contract Amid Manchester United Rumours
Aug 12, 2019
SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 18: Inaki Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Athletic Club at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams has signed a new nine-year contract with the club, it was confirmed on Monday.
The La Liga side announced the news on Twitter, with Williams now tied down at the San Mames until 2028:
Per Sky Sports, the 25-year-old was recently linked with a move to Manchester United, although he's made an emphatic show of commitment to his current employers.
"Hopefully great things can come because what I want to make this club bigger, if possible," he said upon agreeing the extension, per BBC Sport. "This, as you can see, is my house, and all I want, I have it here. The club has always bet on me—it has given me everything. I feel it is my home."
Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge noted that Williams' release clause in Bilbao has been boosted as part of the deal, in light of recent speculation:
The last deal signed by Iñaki was in January 2018 (until 2025). A new one has been in the works for some time as there was caution on the part of Athletic in regards to the clause. He also joins the top earner group at Athletic w/ Muniain Raúl García and Iñigo Martínez.
Williams has established himself as a key player for the Basque outfit in recent years. Bet365 tracked his rise from academy prospect to his current position:
Iñaki Williams:
- Born in Bilbao - Came through the Athletic Bilbao youth setup - Represented the club's B team - Made over 150 appearances for the first team - Signed a new *nine-year* contract
Although there are still raw parts to his game, when he's in form the Spain international is one of the most devastating attackers in La Liga.
Williams can play across the front line, providing penetration from wide areas or offering a threat in behind the opposition defence when used through the middle. Last season, he added more of a goal threat to his game, netting 13 times in 38 La Liga appearances.
The standout performance from 2018-19 came against Sevilla, when he scored a couple of outstanding goals in front of his come crowd:
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Athletic Bilbao are heading to the UK 🇬🇧
They face @WestHamUtd at London Stadium on Saturday 3rd August!
The news will be a major boost for Athletic supporters ahead of the new season. There were signs last term that their No. 9 was ready to deliver on his potential, and this deal means he can focus on his football in Bilbao for the foreseeable future.
Manager Gaizka Garitano will be hopeful his side can challenge for a European place in La Liga this season. The coach steadied the ship after coming in midway through the 2018-19 term, helping Athletic finish eighth after a challenging start.
