Athletic Bilbao extend Christian Imga deal amid reported European interest

Athletic Bilbao have signed teenage winger Christian Imga to a deal running through June 2031, including a club option for one additional season. The club confirmed the agreement on November 8, amid reports that 15 Champions League clubs had asked about the 17-year-old.

Cadena SER reported that Imga's representatives said the clubs had sought information about his availability and contract. None of the interested teams has been named, and the reported inquiries do not indicate that Athletic received 15 formal bids.

Athletic did not publish financial terms. Spanish newspaper AS put the release clause at approximately €70 million (£61 million) initially, potentially rising to €85 million (£75 million). Cadena SER suggested a starting figure nearer €60 million (£52 million), with the highest amount applicable if Athletic exercise the extension option.

Imga made his senior debut under Edin Terzic on October 25, coming on for Nico Williams as Athletic beat Getafe 4-0 at San Mames in La Liga. His first senior goal followed four days later against AE Prat in the Copa del Rey.

The winger joined Athletic from Deportivo Alaves during the 2024-25 season. He recorded eight goals across 24 Under-18 appearances last season, plus two goals across six UEFA Youth League games, before moving directly to Bilbao Athletic without playing for Basconia.

His representatives told Cadena SER that Terzic's interest in using him had accelerated his first-team involvement. Imga has also been picked for Spain's squad for the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.