Amidst rumors of potential immediate reinforcements for Athletic, Unai López currently stands out as the most evident and viable option. While no official confirmation has been made, the player's silence would be significant, especially given that various media outlets have linked him with Athletic. Furthermore, within the club based in Ibaigane, there are whispers suggesting that the return of the Gipuzkoan midfielder is progressing. The operation makes sense when analyzing Unai López's characteristics and the shortcomings observed in the midfield positions throughout the recently concluded season, some of which may be irreversible with time.
Unai López is nearing thirty and has just completed his fifth consecutive season with Rayo Vallecano. His profile is interesting for several reasons not applicable to other midfielders who have emerged. The arguments favoring Unai López's acquisition encompass both economic and sporting aspects. It is important to consider that his contract with the Madrid-based club is now ending, he is in his professional prime, possesses considerable experience in the elite (362 official matches), and has perfect knowledge of Athletic, thanks to his time at Lezama since his youth days.
Being without a contract increases Unai López's appeal. Generally, and particularly for an Athletic side that, as is well known, cannot freely compete in the transfer market like its rivals. It has already been observed that the current board has a certain inclination to exploit this acquisition method, which they insist on calling "zero cost," although it does carry a cost. Even if nothing needs to be paid to the player's originating club, Athletic covers what is known as a signing bonus, an amount agreed upon with the player precisely because having a free transfer contract makes changing clubs more affordable.
In essence, this is an operation typically agreed upon with sufficient lead time to secure the desired player. Such an agreement prevents any interference, and as soon as the player's contract with their current team concludes, the move is made public. This was the formula used to acquire the services of Galarreta, Gorosabel, or Navarro, and with some nuances, it was also employed to sign Herrera.
Other names. Other midfielders have been suggested as reinforcements for Athletic, but these moves entail greater complications. Primarily, a higher expense. For instance, recruiting Urko González de Zarate from Espanyol would require paying a transfer fee. It is worth remembering that the Catalan entity paid five million to Real Sociedad for Urko, a favorite of Manolo González, who had already made good use of him during his loan spell. If sold, his price would increase significantly, given that the buyer is Athletic. Furthermore, 20% of the valuation would go to Real Sociedad's coffers.
Iván Martín might be more accessible due to Girona's relegation, but his contract expires in two years, and although his market value has decreased, he is not free. And if Athletic is the one calling, then as mentioned. The player might push to avoid competing in the Second Division, and Girona will want to offload proven players to adjust their wage bill to the category, but for now, Martín's home is Montilivi.
Acquiring Unai López's services would be explained by the deficiencies identified in the midfield during the last campaign. All team lines, except for the goalkeeping, have underperformed, and the specific midfield problems largely stemmed from the permanent absence of Beñat Prados. His knee injury at the start of the season proved to be a setback that was never fully overcome. Ernesto Valverde had intended to rotate Prados with Galarreta and Jauregizar, with Vesga and Rego, the other specific midfielders he considered, serving as complements.
The reality was that Jauregizar underwent intensive play from August, played every match, and was exhausted by February. This was predictable, but that's how things unfolded. Alongside him, Galarreta was the most frequent player, but without the required impact. The player from Eibar has never been known for his engine, and what he showed a year prior was confirmed this season, resulting in many incomplete performances. A limitation difficult to reconcile with the leadership his role demands. This has given greater prominence to Rego, who has suffered from the inexperience typical of his debut in the category to perform a task that required more grit. Vesga, who remained underutilized, has plenty of that. In total, the declining momentum in midfield was evident; the team frequently struggled to dominate the central area. They suffered in attack and defense. A handicap due to the sense of imbalance the team's structure conveyed.
With Unai López's return, a midfield roster of four proven players would be secured to face a less congested season with more commitments, to which meritorious players like Canales and Gerenabarrena could be added, having earned an opportunity under suitable conditions.
