Izeta Given Green Light for January Exit as Minutes Dry Up
Athletic Bilbao forward Izeta set for winter window move with club blessing after falling completely out of Valverde's plans despite scoring 15 goals on loan last season.
Izeta Given Green Light for January Exit as Minutes Dry Up
Athletic Bilbao’s forgotten man Jon Izeta looks set for a January escape route as the club has given him permission to seek pastures new after being frozen out by Ernesto Valverde.
Down the Pecking Order
The 26-year-old forward’s situation at San Mamés has become proper dire, with just 32 minutes of La Liga action to his name this season. To put that in perspective, even Selton, who’s barely had a sniff, has managed double the minutes (64) in just one match.
Izeta’s standing in the squad hierarchy tells its own story:
- Not registered for Champions League duty
- Only backup keeper Padilla sits below him in the minutes played column
- Valverde would seemingly rather turn to B-team striker Hierro (who’s already debuted in the Champions League)
Options on the Table
The Athletic technical department hasn’t been twiddling their thumbs - they’ve already received loan proposals from several interested clubs for the January window. The Basque club has also opened the door for Izeta himself to explore his options.
His impressive haul of 15 goals for Mirandés last season means there’s no shortage of Segunda División suitors forming an orderly queue. There’s also whispers of potential moves to Central European leagues if the forward fancies something a bit different.
Athletic aren’t looking to tear up his contract, which runs until 2027, but any loan deal would require the receiving club to cover his wages for the remainder of the campaign. Proper sensible business, that.
No Way Back
The writing’s been on the wall for some time that Izeta just doesn’t fit Valverde’s plans. Even Maroan’s knee injury and subsequent surgery hasn’t created an opening for him.
With just five league games and one Copa del Rey fixture before the January window opens, it would take a miracle turnaround to change the current trajectory. Both club and player seem to have their heart set on finding a new opportunity come winter.
For a player who showed such promise on loan last season, it’s a bit of a shame, but that’s football for you - sometimes you’re just not the gaffer’s cup of rosie lee.