Edin Terzic has named a 24-man squad for Athletic‘s first preseason friendly against Derio in La Florida, Portugalete, with kickoff set for 19:30 and live coverage available on Athletic Play.
The biggest talking point is the absence of Agirrezabala and Vesga, both seen as possible departures. Vesga had been linked with PAOK before Mallorca emerged as the club most keen to sign him, while Agirrezabala had a path to Deportivo before that move went to Leo Román instead.
Vivian is also left out, but in his case the decision is tied to workload management. Serrano and Gorosabel are missing as well because of fitness issues, alongside the World Cup players Williams, Simón and Laporte.
Returnees and players under pressure
Prados is back after the long road back from an ACL injury, while Djaló now begins the countdown to convincing Terzic that he can succeed in Bilbao. Rincón is also hoping to earn a place, and Sannadi faces the need to respond after a difficult year caused by a meniscus injury in his right knee.
There is also a group of younger players aiming to stand out, with Canales, Gerenabarrena, Johaneko, Gift, Selton and Monreal all included in the squad. The match offers an early look at how Terzic is shaping the group before the preseason moves on.
Terzic’s squad for the friendly
| Player | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Padilla, Santos, Paredes, Yeray, Berenguer, Sancet, Guruzeta, Areso, Ruiz de Galarreta, Yuri, Jauregizar, Adama, Sannadi, Navarro, Prados, Canales, Gerenabarrena, Rego, Johaneko, Rincón, Gift, Selton, Monreal and Djaló | Included | 24 players named |
| Agirrezabala, Vesga, Vivian, Serrano and Gorosabel | Left out | Agirrezabala and Vesga are linked with exits; Vivian is managed for workload |
| Williams, Simón and Laporte | Left out | World Cup players not involved |
The full call-up shows a mix of established names, players returning from injury and young prospects trying to force their way into Terzic’s plans. It is an early preseason selection that already hints at internal competition for places.