Athletic Bilbao's B-team, Bilbao Athletic, has undergone a major generational overhaul ahead of the 2026-27 season in Primera Federación. According to El Correo, the side coached by Bittor Llopis will be the youngest in its group following the departure of twelve players and the promotion of up to fifteen youth talents from Basconia.
The club decided not to renew the contracts of ten players born between 2002 and 2004, such as Eric Gamen, Iker Galindo, and Jon de Luis, while loaning Eder García and Ibai Sanz to Córdoba. In their place, the squad has been rejuvenated with academy talent, lowering the team's average age to 20.06 years, down from 20.64 last campaign. This transformation was achieved without any external signings, relying solely on the Lezama structure.
Who are the new faces in the B-team?
Up to twelve players from Basconia could be registered with Bilbao Athletic this season. Among the most notable names are striker Unax Urzaiz, midfielder Iker Pagazartundua, and defender Danel Belategi. Aingeru Olabarrieta, Txus Vizcay, and Manex Lozano also return from their loan spells. Manager Bittor Llopis, who also earned promotion from Basconia, has used them during pre-season to define a competitive squad.
The potential loan departures of players like Mikel Santos or Elijah Gift, the latter reportedly close to a move to Eibar according to El Correo, could open even more space for these promotions. The core group that remains includes Johaneko, Miguel Barandalla, and Beñat García, who will provide experience in the category. Fans can track the progress of the entire squad on our squad page.
What style of play will Bittor Llopis implement?
The B-team's new coach is committed to continuing the high-pressing, offensive model that characterizes Athletic Club. Llopis has mostly used a 4-3-3 system during pre-season matches, with a pivot, an interior midfielder, and an attacking midfielder. A significant change has been the deeper role for Adrián Pérez, who now operates as an '8' instead of from the wing.
Another tactical adjustment has been the deployment of Igor Oyono in a wider role on the right flank. "The coach is betting on the continuity of a team that takes the initiative, is offensive, vertical, and aggressive in pressing," the Basque outlet reported. This approach aims to prepare the youngsters for a potential step up to the first team, maintaining a clear playing identity.
How does this affect the first team's future?
The renewal of Bilbao Athletic is a direct reflection of the health of Athletic's youth academy. The mass promotion of under-23 players consolidates a steady pipeline of talent towards the top level. Players like striker Asier Hierro or midfielder Peio Huestamendia, already established in the B-team, are viewed as future candidates to make the leap.
This rejuvenation process is key for a club whose philosophy is built on developing its own players. Last season's data, available in our stats section, shows the performance of these players in the youth categories. The first major test for this young team will be their debut in the opening matchday of Primera Federación, on September 6th against Real Sociedad B, a fixture already listed on our fixtures page.
Bilbao Athletic faces the new campaign with hopes pinned on a squad that, with an average age of 20.06, aims to make its mark in Group 1 of Primera Federación.
