Athletic’s average age 27.3, second-highest of the century | OneFootball

Athletic finished the season with an average squad age of 27.3, the second-highest of the century and just 0.1 short of 2015/16, the peak of the past 25 years. That jars at a club defined by Lezama and homegrown promotion.

According to El Correo, it reflects youngsters struggling to consolidate as Ibaigane has prioritised experience in recent recruitment. The turning point was 2012/13 under Marcelo Bielsa, when the average was 24.2, and it has stayed above 26 and 27 since.

Age does not map neatly onto results, Barcelona won the league with the youngest squad, while Rayo Vallecano reached the Conference League final with one of the oldest.

Transfermarkt’s age metric highlights an urgent succession job, with several players already past 30. The club must nail academy promotions and signings in a tightening market to avoid a damaging gap.

At left-back, Adama Boiro arrived to succeed Yuri Berchiche, but the move has not worked. The 36-year-old still owns the position, and president Jon Uriarte is trying to convince him to renew for at least another season. The decision is his, and the hierarchy are optimistic.

Defence blends 26-year-olds Paredes and Vivián with Aymeric Laporte, 32, and Yeray, 31. On the right, Areso faltered after Óscar de Marcos, so Ernesto Valverde also turned to Lekue, who retired at 33, and Andoni Gorosabel, 29.

Midfield is the biggest worry, with Prados badly injured, Ruiz de Galarreta worn down and Jauregizar fading. With Edin Terzic consulted from afar before his Bilbao unveiling, targets include Urko González de Zárate, 25, at Espanyol, Iván Martín, 27, at Girona, and Unai López, 30, after a fine season at Rayo. Decisions on loanees are pending.

Up front the ages step more evenly. Iñaki Williams is 31, and Nico Williams, 23, has battled pubalgia and muscle problems but will be at the World Cup, as will Laporte and Unai Simón, 28.

Source: El Correo