Latest news with #Basque-born
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Two reasons Arsenal could miss out on Martin Zubimendi as Real Madrid make move
Arsenal have an agreement to sign Spain international Martini Zubimendi but a deal is not yet over the line for the midfielder who is drawing late interest from Real Madrid this summer Arsenal are all geared up to sign Martin Zubimendi - but may still have reason to sweat over his decision. The Gunners are primed to secure a £51million move, although a medical is still required. It would not be the first time a transfer had looked all sewn up for the Spain international after Liverpool thought they would see Zubimendi arrive as Arne Slot's first signing. But on that occasion, the player decided he preferred to remain with Real Sociedad rather than make the move to Anfield. While Mikel Arteta's side have an agreement over payments to Sociedad, in a familiar scenario, Zubimendi himself has suggested his future is not resolved. Asked whether he could yet remain with his hometown club, the 26-year-old noted he did not know where his future would lie. "Of course there are options, but it's true that it seems like it's going to be a different, long summer, and I don't know how it will end," he told Radio Nacional. "I don't think thinking about that right now is my priority. I'm here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will." Real Madrid have not given up on signing Zubimendi themselves however. New Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is even said to have made the player his primary target according to reports in Spain. And that could prove pivotal with it also claimed that Zubimendi would prefer to remain in Spain if he is to leave Anoeta Stadium. AS claim Zubimendi is 'attracted' to the idea of playing for Real Madrid under Alonso. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star previously coached Real Sociedad B. During that time, Zubimendi player under the Basque-born coach. If Zubimendi indicates that he is willing to turn down Arsenal in favour of a move to Real Madrid, the La Liga runners-up will attempt to negotiate a deal worth less than his £51m buy-out clause. Zubimendi's contract runs until 2027. The Spanish giants are not said to be willing to match the offer Zubimendi received from Arsenal either. The north London club are said to have offered a deal worth around £8m-per-year. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
How Athletic Bilbao built squad for less than the price of Man Utd's Andre Onana with unique transfer policy
ATHLETIC BILBAO will be hoping their unique transfer policy will pay dividends when they face Manchester United. The LaLiga side take on the Red Devils in the Europa League semi-finals with the first leg in Spain on Thursday. 5 Athletic Bilbao have a unique transfer policy Credit: Getty 5 Basque-born Nico Williams (left) and his brother Inaki are Athletic Bilbao's poster boys Credit: AFP 5 The team cost less than Andre Onana's potential fee Credit: PA Bilbao are unlike most clubs in world football with a self-imposed transfer limitation. The current team has been assembled for less than the £47.2million that Man United could end up paying for They are Yuri Berchiche (£21m), Oscar de Marcos (£255,000), Alex Berenguer (£9.5m), Alvaro Djalo (£12.8m) and Maroan Sannadi (£2.55m). READ MORE ON FOOTBALL The remainder of the squad came through the youth academy or have been free transfers. With the likes of Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and his brother Nico in the mix, they have assembled a top squad. The Basque Country where Bilbao is located has a population of 2.2million - a quarter of the size of London - and has a low number of immigrants. Despite this relatively small pool and limited transfer strategy, the club has enjoyed success. Most read in Europa League JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Bilbao have won EIGHT LaLiga titles - which is only less than Real Madrid (36), They also have six more league titles than Basque rivals Real Sociedad. Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says 'it wouldn't be beneath me' 5 Oihan Sancet is one of the stars at Bilbao Credit: Rex 5 Yuri Berchiche cost the club £21m in 2018 Credit: Getty The club have also won TWENTY-FOUR Copa del Rey titles with their last success coming in 2024. They have never won a European honour and will be hoping to achieve that this season by getting past Manchester United. What is Athletic Bilbao's transfer policy? The club has instilled a "Basque-only" policy, which means not just any footballer can play for the club. The San Mames outfit has stated that every one of their players has to either been born or raised in the Basque Country. Another statement reads: "As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport. "Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football. "This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players. "Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country. "The club's sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre." Why do Athletic Bilbao only sign players from the Basque region? The rule was introduced in 1911 after a dispute between Bilbao and fellow Basque-based side Real Sociedad. Bilbao had fielded ineligible players from England as well as some non-Basque players in a Copa del Rey match. The Spanish FA ruled that players must be Spanish citizens to appear in the competition from the following season. Bilbao opted to maintain the approach even when regulations were later relaxed. A statement on the club website reads: "During the Copa tournament held at Jolaseta in April 1911, several of the participating teams denounced Athletic for improperly fielding foreigners. "From then on, Athletic Club would compete only with home-grown players, thus giving birth to the philosophy that today distinguishes it from any other team in elite football." The policy makes the club prioritise the signings of players who were born in the Basque Country. The region is in the north of The policy was implemented in order to preserve the unique culture and identity of the region. Have Athletic Bilbao ever signed non-Basque players? The club states that every player since the start of the rule has been born in the Basque Country or raised there. However, some players who have turned out for the club have sparked debate. Former He was only connected to the Basque Country via his great-grandparents. He arrived at the club at the age of 14 with the likes of Bilbao's academy director, Jose Maria Amorrortu, believing that he would qualify. However, some argue that he is ineligible, like adults who have been transferred in by Sociedad. Do Athletic Bilbao managers have to be Basque and have they had non-Basque managers? There are some exceptions to the rule as the club's coaching staff does not need to be Basque. The club has had managers from England, Germany, France, Argentina and Hungary. English managers of Bilbao have included Henry John Bagge, William Garbutt, Ralph Kirby, Ronnie Allen and Howard Kendall. The most recent manager who was not even Spanish was Argentine Eduardo Berizzo for 15 matches in 2018. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Premier League manager, 42, set to turn secret agent in bid to KO Man Utd's Europa League hopes
ANDONI IRAOLA is turning secret agent to wreck Manchester United's season. The Bournemouth boss plans to phone Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde, 61, and provide a spying report on Ruben Amorim's team ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg. 4 Ruben Amorim's Manchester United are preparing for a tough Europa League clash 4 Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola plans to speak to Man Utd's opponents Athletic Bilbao 4 Iraola has a great relationship with Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde 4 Iraola played 156 times under Valverde at Bilbao Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Ten-man Cherries came within minutes of beating United without Evanilson, who was sent off, on Sunday afternoon before Rasmus Hojlund's injury-time leveler cancelled out Antoine Semenyo's opener. And Iraola is ready to pass on some insider knowledge to his old boss Valverde in the coming days. Iraola, 42, is a boyhood fan of Athletic and played more than 500 games for the Basque club — 156 of which came under Valverde. Asked if he would be speaking to his old manager to share his insight on United, Iraola replied: 'Yes, probably we will speak. We have a very good relationship. 'He has probably been the most special coach I've ever had and I wish him the best.' Basque-born Iraola was also captain of Bilbao when they defeated United home and away en route to the Europa League final in 2012. Valverde — now into his THIRD spell as manager of the LaLiga club — is held in high regard by Iraola, who rates the Spaniard above the much-admired Marcelo Bielsa when it comes to coaches with whom he has worked. As such, Iraola is more than happy to hand over as much information as he can to help his former club and chief beat the Red Devils. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Iraola added: 'We are very lucky, the Athletic Club supporters, to have him right now. I hope he goes all the way and wins it, because he fully deserves it. 'I'm not going to hide it that I also want Athletic Club to win the Europa League. So definitely I will also support Athletic Club.' Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team ever Valverde's side is determined to go all the way in the Europa League this season as the final takes place in Bilbao's San Mames on May 21. MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Premier League manager, 42, set to turn secret agent in bid to KO Man Utd's Europa League hopes
ANDONI IRAOLA is turning secret agent to wreck Manchester United's season. The Bournemouth boss plans to phone Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde, 61, and provide a spying report on Ruben Amorim's team ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg. 4 4 4 4 Ten-man Cherries came within minutes of beating United without Evanilson, who was sent off, on Sunday afternoon before Rasmus Hojlund's injury-time leveler cancelled out Antoine Semenyo's opener. And Iraola is ready to pass on some insider knowledge to his old boss Valverde in the coming days. Iraola, 42, is a boyhood fan of Athletic and played more than 500 games for the Basque club — 156 of which came under Valverde. Asked if he would be speaking to his old manager to share his insight on United, Iraola replied: 'Yes, probably we will speak. We have a very good relationship. 'He has probably been the most special coach I've ever had and I wish him the best.' Basque-born Iraola was also captain of Bilbao when they defeated United home and away en route to the Europa League final in 2012. Valverde — now into his THIRD spell as manager of the LaLiga club — is held in high regard by Iraola, who rates the Spaniard above the much-admired Marcelo Bielsa when it comes to coaches with whom he has worked. As such, Iraola is more than happy to hand over as much information as he can to help his former club and chief beat the Red Devils. Iraola added: 'We are very lucky, the Athletic Club supporters, to have him right now. I hope he goes all the way and wins it, because he fully deserves it. 'I'm not going to hide it that I also want Athletic Club to win the Europa League. So definitely I will also support Athletic Club.' Valverde's side is determined to go all the way in the Europa League this season as the final takes place in Bilbao's San Mames on May 21. Man Utd player ratings vs Bournemouth By Katherine Walsh MANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time. Rasmus Hojlund's last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go. Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back. Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho's flurry of chances. So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated.
The Guardian
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Prince Arthur, London SW1: ‘Welcome to the bright new dawn of the turbo-bougie boozer' – restaurant review
The Prince Arthur is a fancy new restaurant in Belgravia that's rather hard to resist once you see the bones of what it has to offer. It has a Basque-born chef, Adam Iglesias, who has worked at Alameda near San Sebastián in Spain, as well as Brat, Barrafina and Sessions Arts Club in London. There you go: a plethora of foodie plus-points already. Then there's the fact that it's in a recently lavishly restored pub that feels a bit like an AI interpretation of the Queen Vic in EastEnders: there's a horseshoe bar, traditional wooden panelling, ales on tap, lots of standing room, a big TV screen for the sport and … wait! What? An iced seafood counter? Well, that'll be for the lobsters, carabineros, sea urchins and other fishy things to eat in the elegant, white table-clothed dining room just past the bar's standing area. Possibly you'll eat those urchins, or perhaps a devilled egg, topped with the Prince Arthur's in-house caviar, sourced via the London Caviar company. This place goes big on caviar, with 50g of Siberian baerii served with turbot-dripping potatoes and creme fraiche priced at £100. You'll have noticed that I have not called the Prince Arthur a gastropub, despite it clearly being gastronomical and being housed inside something resembling a pub. That's because we need a new name for this type of highfalutin hospitality venture. With pubs across the UK closing at a rate of knots, the days of publicans rebranding as simply 'one of them gastropubs' to survive are over. At one time, slinging a few £20 plates of beef cheek on polenta at customers and screwing a bottle of Aesop Resurrection hand soap to the toilet wall may have saved your soul, but not any more. Welcome to the bright new dawn of the turbo-bougie boozer. Yes, the Prince Arthur has the framework of a pub, with Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone beer on tap and pig's ear bar snacks and posh scotch eggs with mustard. But it is essentially a very sophisticated, Basque-influenced restaurant that serves txangurro crab, Galician beef rib and whole turbot with glossy, pale pil pil sauce, with torrijas and Basque cheesecake for afters. Please keep in mind that this is just downstairs; the new upstairs dining room promises to be even fancier. None of this, I must stress, is to my disliking. Ten minutes into lunch at this utterly lovable mega-posh pretend pub, and you will find yourself planning your return. From the first plate of gildas – skewered glossy olives, intricately folded anchovies and curls of green chilli pepper – I was smitten. These could be the world's best pintxo gildas, living their best lives in a back street near Victoria coach station. Then two neat squares of those fish-dripping potatoes with sea urchin, tuna and caviar. The devilled egg is a work of art: a boiled egg standing upright on the plate, its yolk creamed and piped back into it, then topped with more caviar. Suffice to say that by this point the bill was creeping up alarmingly, even though I could have balanced everything I'd eaten up to then on the back of a credit card. For mains, we shared that turbot, which was perfectly cooked and came with a world-class pil pil emulsification. A side of winter greens was disappointingly over-salted, though. Much better was a plate of wood-grilled pepper, a slimy, smoky mass of sweet, vivid, red loveliness. The Prince Arthur is by no means cheap, but it's worth it for a special occasion. The service is good, it's in a beautiful room with a fascinating clientele of Belgravia locals who certainly don't need to save the place for special occasions and, above all, the cooking is wonderful, especially if seafood is your thing. And, of course, there's that cheesecake, one of my favourite desserts ever, though I usually only ever eat it in summer, ideally in San Sebastián itself, where the temperature lends itself to a wander around the streets, pausing to eat wobbly, custardy, melting cheesecake out of a box. The Belgravia version was 99% there, and came with a thick winter berry sauce and enough caramelisation that I could almost feel the northern Spanish sun on my face. There's a lot to love about this restaurant, although, eventually, I fear, all surviving 'pubs' will be like the Prince Arthur. House caviar on the menu, £25 a pop carabinero prawns on the grill, Sky Sports on the big screen, and anyone remotely normally waged standing outside in the cold, staring through the window like Hans Christian Anderson's Little Match Girl, striking matches one by one while watching the world burn. The Prince Arthur 11 Pimlico Road, London SW1, 020-3098 6060. Open Tues-Sat, lunch noon-4pm, dinner 6-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. From about £70 a head for three courses, plus drinks and service The next episode of Grace's Comfort Eating podcast is out on Tuesday 18 March – listen to it here
