Athletic Club and Villarreal tie down contract renewals for two experienced options

Athletic Club have signed Alvaro Djalo this summer from Braga for around €15m, but with the loss of Iker Muniain and plenty of talks surrounding an exit for Nico Williams, have decided to tie up the future of Alex Berenguer.

The 29-year-old winger was out of contract next summer, and seemingly had interest from Roma as contract talks dragged a little. Yet Athletic have now extended his contract until 2027, leaving him with another three years on his deal. Los Leones will be well covered out wide for the coming season even if Williams does depart.

Meanwhile Villarreal have also announced an extension for veteran central defender Raul Albiol. The 38-year-old will be back again this season, with the Yellow Submarine relying on his experience once again this coming year. It is not yet official, but Relevo say that he will take a salary cut. They also say that Villarreal will listen to offers for Jorge Cuenca and Aissa Mandi, leaving Eric Bailly and Albiol as the only fixed options for next season.