The latest transfer gist rocking La Liga fans this week comes from the Basque Country. Athletic Club midfielder Mikel Jauregizar has confirmed he would reject the chance to join Barcelona, just like his teammate Nico Williams did earlier this summer.
The 21-year-old had a breakout season in 2024/25, becoming one of Ernesto Valverde’s trusted players in midfield. With 34 La Liga appearances under his belt last season, Jauregizar has already cemented himself as a key figure in Athletic’s engine room.
He even started this season strongly, playing the full 90 minutes in Athletic’s thrilling 3-2 win over Sevilla on opening weekend.
Barcelona Links & The Big Question
During a media session on Thursday, the young midfielder was asked about potential interest from Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, especially after Nico Williams famously rejected their advances to stay loyal to Bilbao.
Omo, when the question drop, everyone thought Jauregizar might hesitate – but the boy was blunt. No long talk, no suspense.
His answer? “I would say no.”
Why This Matters
This response will definitely raise eyebrows in Spain. Barcelona, despite being one of the biggest clubs in the world, have now been publicly rejected by two of Athletic’s brightest talents in the space of just a few months.
For fans, omo this one dey hot 🔥. It sends a clear message: Athletic’s young core believe in the club’s project and are not easily tempted by the glamour of the Camp Nou.
Loyalty Over Stardom
Jauregizar’s stance highlights a growing trend among Basque players, where loyalty to Athletic’s traditions often outweighs flashy transfers. With Williams already setting the tone, Jauregizar’s declaration only strengthens the team’s resolve heading into the new campaign.
What Next for Barcelona?
For Hansi Flick, this is another blow in his hunt for young midfield reinforcements. The Blaugrana remain keen on reshaping their squad, but with talents like Jauregizar and Williams shutting the door, Barça may need to look elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Athletic fans will be buzzing with pride. Their homegrown stars are not only performing on the pitch but also showing fierce loyalty off it.
