Nico Williams, along with Unai Simon, Maroan Sannadi, and Dani Vivian, completes his first pre-season training session, quashing rumours of a move to Barcelona.
Internationals Nico Williams, Unai Simon, Dani Vivian and Maroan Sannadi completed their first training session this Tuesday at Lezama, having returned to the club’s facilities on Monday for the mandatory medical examinations.
The younger Williams brother, who on the 4th extended his contract until 2035, ending speculation of a possible transfer to Barcelona, and the other internationals were available to Ernesto Valverde for the first time, as were Alex Padilla, Unai Vencedor, Hugo Rincon and Unai Egiluz, who spent last season on loan.
In the quarter of an hour open to the media, the players worked under the orders of the new fitness coach, former player Luis Prieto, before splitting into groups to perform various rondos and ball exercises.
With the addition of these eight new players, who only missed the four sessions last week, only Mikel Jauregizar remains to return. The midfielder is still on holiday after playing for the Spanish national team at the European Under-21 Championship until 21 June.
The morning session was the first of two scheduled for Tuesday by Valverde. The weekly plan includes another double session for Thursday (10.30 and 18.00 hours) while on Wednesday and Friday there will only be a morning training session.
The week of work will culminate on Saturday (20.00 hours) with the first pre-season friendly, which will pit Athletic against Ponferradina, of Primera RFEF, at Urritxe in a match framed within the acts of celebration of the centenary of Amorebieta.
