Jesús Areso’s inaugural campaign at Athletic Club has ended not with celebration, but with a strikingly candid self-assessment. The 26-year-old right-back took to Instagram to admit he ‘wasn’t at the level of expectations’ and that the team ‘suffered a lot collectively.’ It’s a rare moment of public accountability in a sport where players often hide behind statistics, and it sets the stage for a pivotal second season in Bilbao.
Areso arrived from Osasuna last summer in a €12 million deal—the full value of his release clause, though Athletic negotiated the payment as a transfer rather than a hostile deposit. The fee reflected the club’s belief that he could lock down a problem position for years. But the numbers tell a story of limited impact: 35 appearances, only 18 starts, and 1,987 minutes across all competitions. For a player signed to be a backline cornerstone, it was a disappointing return.
The Basque full-back never quite established himself as the undisputed first choice. Gorosabel, another right-sided option, also held a contract, and Hugo Rincón was loaned to Girona for the season. The lack of clarity hurt both Areso and the team’s rhythm. Athletic’s campaign was chaotic—no European qualification, an early Copa exit, and a mid-table La Liga finish. With no continental football next term, the squad will be streamlined, and the club is expected to part ways with one of the right-backs to make room.
Now, the landscape shifts again. Edin Terzic has been appointed head coach, bringing fresh tactical ideas. Areso, who turns 27 in July, is under contract until 2031, so there is time, but the pressure to repay the investment is mounting. His own words on social media—”with a desire to disconnect and be with my people, but without losing focus on the future, with a lot of hunger and ambition”—suggest a player ready to reset and fight.
Areso’s first season prompts deeper questions about Athletic’s recruitment strategy. The club’s unique Basque-only policy means every signing carries extra weight; there is no global market to dip into. When a €12M player struggles, it reverberates. Yet the self-critique indicates maturity. Rather than blaming circumstances, he has taken ownership, a trait that could endear him to a demanding San Mamés crowd.
For Terzic, Areso’s profile offers upside. His speed, crossing, and high-energy style should fit a high-pressing system. The challenge is building defensive consistency and confidence after a year of setbacks. The coach will likely give him a clean slate during preseason, which begins roughly a month from now, shortly after the World Cup concludes.
The right-back puzzle also includes the returning Rincón, who gained valuable La Liga experience at Girona. Gorosabel, more experienced but less dynamic, could be the odd man out. The trio’s competition will be fierce, but with only domestic competitions on the calendar, minutes will be limited. Areso must seize the opportunity from day one.
Athletic’s hierarchy will be watching closely. The investment in Areso is not just financial; it’s symbolic of a club trying to blend youthful energy with established talent. If he comes good, the move looks shrewd. If not, it joins a list of what-ifs in the intricate dance of Athletic’s transfer policy.
Ultimately, Areso’s Instagram confession could be the turning point. It strips away excuses and sets a public benchmark for improvement. In a team sport often defined by individual moments, his willingness to face the music speaks volumes. The next season will show whether words can become performances. For now, the right-back is on notice, and Athletic’s patience is not infinite.
Based on reporting from Marca.