Athletic Club to be without marquee summer signing for La Liga opener

Athletic Club kick off the 2024-25 La Liga season when they host Getafe at San Mames next Thursday. Ernesto Valverde’s side will be hoping for a strong start to the campaign, during which they will hope to go better than the fourth place finish they secured in 2023-24.

Valverde’s squad has stayed rather similar to before, with only two arrivals (Alvaro Djalo and Andoni Gorosabel) and a few fringe players departing – including Iker Muniain and Asier Villalibre.

Djalo was Los Leones’ marquee summer signing, joining from Braga for a fee in the region of €15m. He’s had a solid pre-season, although he will be unavailable for the match against Getafe after suffering a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s friendly against Aston Villa, Athletic have confirmed.

Djalo’s injury is mild, but Relevo say that it will be enough to delay his competitive debut for Athletic Club. It’s a blow for Valverde, although it is offset by Nico Williams’ premature return from his holidays, which should ensure that he plays against Getafe.