The Athletic Club landed in Liverpool before the last stage of its pre-season scheduled for the coming days.
Ernesto Valverde's team will face the champions in the title of Premier League twice on August 4, as part of a double program intended to strengthen the preparation of the two teams for the 2025/26 season.
The Basque club is preparing for a crucial season, after its return to the UEFA Champions League and having rejected a new FC Barcelona offer for Nico Williams, its star.
Williams again chose to stay in Bilbao
Williams was expected by the Catalans for the second consecutive summer, but despite the confidence of FC Barcelona, the transfer turned short: Williams again chose to stay in Bilbao, while the 22 -year -old finally chose to sign a new 10 -year contract in the Basque Country.
Keep Williams is considered a master stroke for Ernesto Valverde, the experienced coach who previously denied rumors that this transfer case could distract his team.
“The summer transfer market tells us that many things can happen, but you never know what will happen,” says Marca.
Nico Williams will not go to Barça
“I did not think about the presence of Nico. It was like last year, but without incident. Finally, Nico remains and we are delighted with his decision. »»
“Now you have to put all this noise aside and get back to work. »»
Valverde summoned 30 players for the trip to the Merseyside, from where his team will also go to northern London to face Arsenal in Emirates Cup on August 9.
The Athletic Club has won only one match and has lost three so far in preseason, with an opening victory against Ponferradina, followed by defeats against Alavés, PSV Eindhoven and Racing Santander.
La Liga begins for Valverde on August 17 at home against her Seville rival at the San Mamées stadium.
