Athletic Bilbao is one of only two clubs in Europe's top five leagues that has not made a single signing this summer. The Basque club shares this unique status with France's Olympique de Marseille, according to a report from Goal.com published this week.
Transfer inactivity at San Mamés is not a surprise but a direct consequence of the club's strict recruitment policy. Athletic Bilbao's philosophy is built almost exclusively on players developed in their youth academy or of Basque descent. This unwritten rule, which has defined the club's identity for decades, explains why the summer window has passed without any incoming moves.
Why hasn't Athletic Bilbao signed anyone?
The answer lies in the very foundations of the club. While most teams scour the global market for talent, Athletic Bilbao limits its search to the Basque Country and Navarre. This commitment to local talent is a cornerstone of their identity, a choice that prioritizes squad cohesion and sporting philosophy over quick star acquisitions. The Goal.com report notes that "while Bilbao's strict recruitment policy explains their quiet window, Marseille's inactivity stems from severe financial constraints."
This policy presents constant challenges, especially when dealing with injuries. Currently, the squad is dealing with several key absences. Midfielder Beñat Prados, centre-back Dani Vivian, and forward Peio Canales are all currently sidelined, according to verified data as of 3 September 2026. These absences highlight the importance of squad depth, which the club must build from within. Fans can track the squad's status on our injuries page.
How does it compare to Marseille's situation?
The situation at Olympique de Marseille is radically different. The French club's lack of signings is due to severe financial constraints, not a philosophical choice. Marseille has seen numerous departures this season, including Mason Greenwood to Fenerbahce, Facundo Medina to Leverkusen, and Quinten Timber to Crystal Palace. Other significant exits are Geronimo Rulli to Manchester City, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to La Coruna, Leonardo Balerdi to Roma, Bilal Nadir, and Hamed Traore.
The result is a drastically depleted squad with zero reinforcements. Marseille's coaching and recruitment staff will have to rely heavily on internal solutions and youth development to try and compete both domestically and in Europe. While Athletic Bilbao operates within a planned framework, Marseille does so out of sheer necessity.
What does it mean for the 2026/27 season?
For Athletic, the season will begin with the same core group of players that finished the previous one. Trust is placed in continuity and the internal improvement of homegrown footballers. The Basque team faces the campaign with the conviction that their model, though demanding, is sustainable and part of their essence. The next test for this philosophy will be their upcoming league fixture, details of which can be found on our fixtures schedule.
The lack of new signings places even greater emphasis on the performance of key players and the manager's ability to maximize the group's potential. With absences like that of Vivian, a defensive pillar, other players will need to step up from day one. The team's current position in LaLiga can be followed on the standings page.
Athletic Bilbao and Olympique de Marseille are, according to Goal.com, "the only two clubs across Europe's top five leagues that have failed to make a single signing this summer." The Basque club begins the 2026/27 season with a squad of 25 players, all aligned with its origin policy.
