Yuri’s last game? Out for Bernabéu, contract still unsigned | OneFootball

Yuri Berchiche may have played his final match for Athletic. The Zarautz-born left-back will miss the season finale at the Santiago Bernabéu after a booking triggered a one-match ban, and his deal runs out on 30 June with no decision announced. He is the only outstanding contract case at Ibaigane.

According to El Correo, the club want him to stay and director of football Mikel González has reiterated the wish to extend his contract, though no agreement has been reached. Berchiche opted to decide at season’s end, while Athletic’s push to return to Europe disappeared with the draw against Celta.

Against Celta he underlined strong late-season form, secure at left-back and dangerous going forward. Athletic’s goal came from his surge and precise ball for Iñaki Williams to touch past Radu, and two minutes later he almost repeated the move.

His campaign now over, he has been among Ernesto Valverde’s most used players despite being the squad’s oldest. He featured in 38 matches across four competitions, starting 34, and surpassed 3,000 minutes, with only Unai Simón, Mikel Jauregizar, Dani Vivián and Gorka Guruzeta ahead.

The 36-year-old is still weighing his options after eight seasons at Athletic, having joined following a significant outlay to PSG, where he spent one season. Incoming coach Edin Terzic has informed the sporting department he views Berchiche’s continuity as important. Despite his age, the club consider him key, and Adama Boiro is currently the only specialist alternative at left-back.

Source: El Correo