Alex Padilla's Last Chance Saloon: Copa del Rey Beckons for Forgotten Athletic Keeper
Athletic Club's backup goalkeeper Alex Padilla hasn't played a single minute this season, but the Copa del Rey tie against Ourense could finally give him his chance.
Padilla’s Waiting Game Set to End in Galicia
The dust has barely settled on Athletic Club’s defeat to Celta Vigo, but Ernesto Valverde’s men have no time to dwell as they prepare for their Copa del Rey opener against Ourense. For one man in particular, this cup fixture represents more than just another game – it’s potentially his only shot at first-team football this season.
Zero Minutes and Counting
Alex Padilla, the 22-year-old goalkeeper from Zarautz, finds himself in football purgatory. Despite being part of the Athletic squad all season, he’s yet to play a single minute across 23 official matches. The reason? Unai Simón’s iron grip on the number one jersey.
As they say in the East End, it’s been a right ‘mare for the young keeper, who must be gagging for some action between the sticks.
Mexican Adventure Cut Short
Padilla’s situation is particularly frustrating given his journey over the past year:
- Made his Athletic debut last season when both Simón and Agirrezabala were injured
- Spent time on loan at Mexican side Pumas, where he played 18 matches
- Hasn’t featured in an official match since May 5th when Pumas lost to Monterrey
- Returned to Athletic as part of the deal that saw Agirrezabala loaned to Valencia
Contract Complications
The goalkeeper situation at San Mamés is a bit of a head-scratcher:
- Padilla is contracted until 2029
- Simón also has a deal running until 2029
- Agirrezabala (currently at Valencia) has a contract until 2027, with Athletic holding an option to extend by two more years
With Simón firmly established as first-choice and showing no signs of relinquishing his position, Padilla’s opportunities will likely remain limited to cup competitions.
Valverde’s Rotation Policy
The silver lining for Padilla is Valverde’s history of rotating his squad for Copa del Rey fixtures. If history repeats itself, the trip to Galicia to face Ourense should see Padilla finally get his chance to impress.
For a young keeper with obvious talent, it truly is now or never. Another season of warming the bench would be proper Bobby Moore (a bore) for someone who needs competitive minutes to develop.
If he doesn’t get the nod for this cup tie, you’d have to wonder when – if ever – he’ll get his chance in an Athletic shirt this season.