Terzic in regular contact with Athletic Bilbao's World Cup trio ahead of La Liga
Synopsis
New Athletic Bilbao boss Edin Terzic is keeping the lines open with his three World Cup-winning Spaniards — Nico Williams, Laporte and Unai Simón — even before they return from holiday. With Barcelona circling and La Liga around the corner, how Terzic handles his star trio will define the early weeks of his tenure at San Mamés.
Key Takeaways
Edin Terzic replaced Ernesto Valverde as Athletic Bilbao head coach this summer.
Nico Williams , Aymeric Laporte , and Unai Simón are on a three-week post-World Cup vacation before rejoining the squad.
Athletic won all three pre-season warm-up matches, including a 2-0 win over fourth-tier Sestao River .
Terzic confirmed he is in contact with all players who featured at the FIFA World Cup , including skipper Inaki Williams .
Terzic played down transfer speculation linking Laporte with a move to Barcelona .
Athletic Bilbao head coach Edin Terzic has confirmed he is maintaining regular contact with the club's three FIFA World Cup-winning players as he steers preparations for the upcoming La Liga season. The former Borussia Dortmund manager, who replaced the long-serving Ernesto Valverde this summer, is building his squad identity even before his star players return from their post-tournament break.
Pre-Season Form Despite Absences
Athletic have made an encouraging start to pre-season, recording wins in all three of their warm-up fixtures against lower-division opposition. The results have come without Spain internationals Nico Williams, Aymeric Laporte, and Unai Simón — all three of whom were central figures in Spain's FIFA World Cup triumph. Most recently, the Basque club posted a 2-0 victory over fourth-tier side Sestao River.
The World Cup winners have been granted three weeks of vacation before rejoining the squad. Terzic has made clear there is no urgency to accelerate their return, prioritising their recovery over early integration.
What Terzic Said
'We hope that in the future we can have more champions. For us as a coaching staff and for the club, it is very important. We're very proud that these players are part of our group and our dressing room,' Terzic said.
The new Athletic coach also confirmed he has been in touch with all the club's World Cup participants, including Ghana captain and Athletic skipper Inaki Williams. 'I'm in contact with all the players who participated in the World Cup. It's important that we build a connection and that there's communication so they understand the message,' he added.
Laporte and Barcelona Transfer Speculation
Terzic also moved to play down persistent transfer rumours linking Aymeric Laporte with a move to Barcelona. The Spain centre-back returned to Athletic — the club where he began his professional career — at the start of last season. Barcelona have also been repeatedly linked with Nico Williams over the past two summers, adding to the speculation surrounding the club's World Cup contingent.
What to Watch
With La Liga's new season approaching, how quickly Terzic integrates his three returning internationals into his tactical setup will be a key early test of his tenure. The new coach's ability to manage high-profile players while imposing his own philosophy — having previously led Dortmund to a UEFA Champions League final — will be closely watched across Spanish football.
Point of View
And losing cohesion while the new coach beds in without his best players. The pre-season wins are encouraging, but beating fourth-tier sides tells you little about how a Terzic-era Athletic will function against top-half La Liga opposition. The real test of his man-management begins the moment Williams and Laporte walk back through the door at San Mamés.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Edin Terzic and why did he join Athletic Bilbao?
Edin Terzic is the new head coach of Athletic Bilbao, appointed this summer after the departure of long-serving manager Ernesto Valverde. He is best known for leading Borussia Dortmund to the UEFA Champions League final.
Which Athletic Bilbao players won the FIFA World Cup?
Athletic Bilbao's three World Cup winners are Spain internationals Nico Williams, Aymeric Laporte, and Unai Simón, all of whom played key roles in Spain's triumph. Ghana captain and club skipper Inaki Williams also featured at the tournament.
When will Athletic Bilbao's World Cup players return to pre-season?
The three Spain internationals — Nico Williams, Laporte, and Unai Simón — have been given three weeks of vacation following the World Cup before returning to the club. Terzic has indicated there is no rush to bring them back early.
Is Aymeric Laporte moving to Barcelona?
Terzic has played down speculation linking Laporte with a transfer to Barcelona. The defender returned to Athletic Bilbao, where he began his professional career, at the start of last season, and the club has not confirmed any departure.
How has Athletic Bilbao performed in pre-season without their World Cup players?
Athletic Bilbao have won all three of their pre-season warm-up matches despite the absence of their three World Cup internationals, most recently beating fourth-tier Sestao River 2-0.
