Imga travels to Vallecas with a chance to make a special debut

Youngster Imga is travelling to Vallecas with the possibility of making a special debut. He joined first-team training this week, giving him an opportunity to feature in the travelling group. Born in Zumarraga in 2009 and aged 17, he is benefiting from Nico Williams’ injury. Williams missed Spain’s last two matches after being injured in the victory over Croatia at the Pizjuán.

Signed from Alavés during the 2025 winter transfer window while still in the cadet age group, Imga secured a long-term contract with clauses for improvements and an extension. A first-team debut would be a landmark: he would become the first underage player to appear for Athletic since Aurtenetxe and Javi Martínez. Those two were the most recent players to make their debuts at 17.

The younger of the Williams brothers will be unavailable at Vallecas. He is expected to resume training with the group next week, although it remains unclear whether he will be in the squad to face Valencia. Athletic’s squad announcement for the match against Rayo accompanies the news of the trip, with an opportunity potentially opening up for Imga.