Athletic Club secures academy stars with long-term contracts

Athletic Club has secured three academy prospects with long-term contracts: winger Christian Imga (to 2031), defender Iker Monreal (to 2029), and striker Manex Lozano (to 2030), all with automatic renewal clauses.

Athletic Club has moved to protect its future by securing three academy talents with extended contracts over three days. Christian Imga, a 17-year-old left winger who arrived from Deportivo Alavés, has signed until June 2030 with a significant release clause.

The Zumarraga native has impressed in the youth ranks with 8 goals in 24 juvenile matches and has already made his senior debut for Athletic, scoring in a Copa del Rey match against AE Prat.

Defender Iker Monreal has agreed a deal until 2029 after joining from Ardoi last season. The Navarrese centre-back made his first-team debut under Valverde in February's Copa quarter-final against Valencia and has featured in three league squads this season. Striker Manex Lozano, who arrived from Oberena in 2023, has extended his contract to June 2030. The forward has progressed rapidly through the academy ranks.

All three renewals include automatic renewal options held by Athletic, designed to protect the club from outside interest and secure the long-term future of players expected to lead the first team. Lozano is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.