The eternal pipeline between Osasuna and Athletic | OneFootball

For over half a century, the player pipeline between Osasuna and Athletic has been relentless, rooted in links from the early 1900s. According to as.com, it has moulded squads, academies and relations between the fanbases.

The ties grew in the 80s and 90s, notably with Biurrun as Barcelona chased Zubizarreta and Athletic insisted on a replacement. Athletic then triggered Cuco Ziganda’s €900,000 clause and, under José María Arrate, a first-refusal pact delivered Orbaiz and Tiko after Lacruz and Nagore.

The watershed came in 2006 when Javi Martínez arrived for €6 million, later leaving for Bayern for his €40 million clause. He has since recalled earning €600 at the time and being astonished by the fee.

The flow continued with Jesús Areso at €12 million, and it stretches deep into youth ranks, most recently involving Azpilicueta’s nephew. Osasuna even added an anti-Athletic clause to Álex Berenguer’s 2017 move to Torino.

In 2022 presidential hopeful Ricardo Barkala sought to activate Jon Moncayola’s €22 million clause. Jon Uriarte’s arrival ended that plan and relations eased.

Despite discord, Athletic marked Osasuna’s Centenary in 2020. The clubs first met on 4 November 1923 at San Mamés, a 5-3 friendly kicked off at 15:15, and have since played 104 official games and 32 friendlies.

That 1923 Osasuna side included Juanito Urkizu, later an Athletic defender and coach who amassed 16 titles, including one league and three Cups. In all, 58 players have worn both shirts.

Source: as.com