After concluding a season described as 'somewhat disappointing', the Athletic women's team is now preparing its new sporting project without coach Javier Lerga, who has only spent one year on the bench having not met the set objectives. While the name of the Navarrese coach's replacement is yet to be announced, the club is moving forward with squad composition news. Today, the spotlight is on forward Patricia Zugasti, who has reached an agreement with the Bilbao entity to extend her contract until June 30, 2027. This means the player will complete a minimum of four seasons at Lezama, where she arrived in the summer of 2023 from Osasuna.
The forward from Riezu (Navarre), who developed at Navarrese clubs such as San Juan, Ardoi, Lagunak, and Mulier – the latter being affiliated with Athletic – made her Liga F debut with Athletic on October 14, 2023, in a match against Villarreal, which ended in a tough 3-0 defeat for the Lionesses. Since then, Zugasti has appeared in 48 official matches for the club, scoring seven goals.
This past season was particularly challenging for the forward, as she missed five months of competition due to discomfort from patellar chondropathy in her left knee. However, she returned last April to participate in four matches during the final stretch of the league.
“"I am very happy, it is an honor to continue wearing this jersey. I really appreciate the club's confidence and I hope to demonstrate it on the pitch. I have learned a lot here at Athletic and I am eager to continue this way. I hope this season will be different with more continuity. We have a team capable of being in the top positions, so we are ambitious."
At the signing ceremony for the new contract, attended by Athletic president Jon Uriarte and the Director of Women's Football, Xabi Arrieta, the rojiblanca player expressed her excitement and satisfaction at continuing with Athletic and being able to deliver her best version next season.
