Athletic Club sets price for one of its rejects

Urko Izeta will leave Athletic Club in the upcoming winter transfer window after confirming that his sporting situation at San Mamés has not met expectations. The forward, who had just completed a remarkable season in Segunda División with Mirandés, started the season with the hope of earning a place in Ernesto Valverde's plans.

The lack of opportunities has led all parties to agree that it is best to go separate ways. At Athletic Club, they understand that Urko Izeta needs playing time to continue growing and increasing his value, whereas the player himself considers a change of scenery essential to avoid hindering his progress at a crucial stage of his career. Therefore, his departure in January is already considered a done deal within the red-and-white club.

Urko Izeta, from shining in Segunda to being left without a place at San Mamés

The past season was a turning point for Urko Izeta. At Mirandés, the attacker became one of the offensive benchmarks of the team, scoring 15 goals in Segunda División and leaving very positive impressions with his mobility, ability to link up with teammates, and goal-scoring instinct. This performance earned him a return to Athletic Club with the expectation of having a more prominent role in the offensive rotation.

However, the competitive reality at Athletic Club is demanding, and the competition in attack has been fierce. With established forwards and a well-defined system, Ernesto Valverde has struggled to find space to include Urko Izeta, who has spent most of the season watching games from the bench or even left out of the matchday squads. This situation has led to frustration for the player, aware that his level and age require immediate prominence.

His attitude and professionalism have always been valued by the coaching staff, but the sporting context has not been favorable to him. The lack of playing time has been decisive in the decision to leave in the winter, a solution that will allow the forward to regain form and Athletic Club to profit from a player who, in the short term, does not fit into the main team plans.

Deportivo de La Coruña takes the lead in the bidding

Urko Izeta's good reputation in the second tier has led to several Spanish clubs showing interest in his signing. Second Division teams see him as a market opportunity to strengthen their attack with a young, established forward with growth potential. Among them all, Deportivo de La Coruña is best positioned to close the deal.

The Galician team is seeking a forward who can make a difference and help achieve their ambitious goals, and Urko Izeta's profile fits perfectly. His recent experience in Segunda División, combined with his ability to adapt to different offensive styles, makes him a safe bet for a team in need of goals and consistency in the second half of the season.

The negotiations are advanced, and although they are not the only club pursuing him, Deportivo de La Coruña is ahead due to both sporting project and the importance the player would have from the outset. Urko Izeta particularly values the chance to feel important and assume responsibilities, something he could hardly find in the short term at San Mamés.

Athletic Club sets the exit price

In Bilbao, it is clear that Urko Izeta's departure will not be a loan. Athletic Club intends to make a definitive sale and has valued the forward at two million euros, a figure it deems fair given his recent performance and potential. The red-and-white club believes it is a good opportunity to generate income and free up space in the squad.

The operation would also allow Athletic Club to maintain coherence with its sporting policy, opting for players with a clear role in the first team. In Urko Izeta's case, the lack of playing time made it unsustainable to prolong his current situation, making a sale the best solution for both parties.

All signs point to a resolution in the early weeks of the winter market. Urko Izeta is determined to take the step and regain prominence, while Athletic Club accepts that his departure is necessary. The forward, who shone in Segunda División but couldn't find his place at San Mamés, is now preparing to start a new chapter allowing him to feel like a footballer once again.