The signing that got away from Athletic and they're regretting now

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Girona Real Betis

21/04/26 21:30:00

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Borja Sainz continues to grow by leaps and bounds at Oporto and confirms, week after week, that his signing for the Portuguese club was a resounding success. At 23 years old, the Spanish forward has quickly adapted to Portuguese football, where he has scored five goals in 18 games across all competitions. His impact is immediate, and his progression is so evident that he is beginning to establish himself as one of the Spanish players with the most potential in the European scene.

This outstanding performance only serves to highlight the mistake of Athletic Club, which had the opportunity to sign the winger last summer. The Bilbao team closely monitored his progress at Norwich City, where he shone with 18 goals in the Championship, but ultimately chose not to finalize the deal. A decision that now generates regret, especially seeing how Borja Sainz has adapted to elite football and how well he would have fit into the playing style of the red-and-white team.

A talent in full explosion at Oporto

Borja Sainz's leap to Oporto represented a major challenge, but the Spanish footballer has faced it with maturity and personality. Under the discipline of the Portuguese club, he has found an ideal context to unleash his offensive prowess, his directness, and his knack for reaching the box. The team has granted him the freedom to appear in crucial areas, and Borja Sainz has responded with high-level performances, showcasing confidence, finishing skills, and a constant evolution in his decision-making.

His goal-scoring ability, already proven in England, is once again reflected in his start to the season in Portugal. Oporto particularly values his offensive aggressiveness and his ability to show up at key moments, making him an indispensable asset within the squad. At just 23 years old, his room for growth is vast, and at Dragão, they are convinced that if he maintains this form, he will soon attract the interest of major European clubs.

Athletic Club regrets a missed opportunity

In Bilbao, they continue to analyze what went wrong last summer for the transfer not to materialize. Athletic was very close to acquiring Borja Sainz, but the negotiation did not come to fruition due to internal issues, leading the player to opt for Oporto's offer. Now, months later, the player's performance has highlighted that he would have been an ideal addition to Ernesto Valverde's squad.

The profile of the Basque forward fits perfectly with Athletic's football identity: a direct player with goal-scoring abilities and ambition in line with what San Mamés demands. Additionally, his youth and previous experience in LaLiga would have facilitated his immediate integration. The club is aware that a player with these characteristics would have raised the team's competitive level, especially in an area with limited alternatives.

A promising future on the international stage

With his constant growth and impact in a demanding league like the Portuguese one, Borja Sainz has become a name to watch for the Spanish national team. If he continues to log minutes, goals, and impactful performances, it would not be surprising to see him being considered for future call-ups. His evolution has been meteoric, and his profile fits the mold of the modern player that many national team coaches seek.

The player himself feels comfortable in an environment that allows him to keep growing without excessive pressure but without giving up on competing in Europe. This combination could propel him to a higher level in the coming years. Meanwhile, at Athletic, they will continue to watch from afar as a talent nurtured in their natural environment flourishes in another club, solidifying the feeling that they let slip away a player who could have made a difference at San Mamés.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El fichaje que se le escapó al Athletic y del que ahora se arrepienten