Athletic Club have confirmed a four-season contract renewal for midfielder Alejandro Rego, who has just turned 23 after making 41 appearances in his debut top-flight campaign.
The extension was first reported by MARCA on 11 June, when it emerged that an agreement was close but had been delayed by negotiations over performance-related variables.
Rego was the only outfield player to feature in every one of Athletic's Champions League matches this season.
Sporting director Mikel Gonzalez praised the midfielder's progress.
"He has confirmed the expectations generated in previous seasons at Lezama with more than 40 appearances in his debut year at the elite level. He has the qualities and potential for a central midfield profile that is difficult to find," Gonzalez said.
Athletic held the option to automatically extend Rego's contract by two seasons, but the two parties had long been working toward a different agreement, with talks centred on a four-year extension from the outset. It was only in the final week that the gap over performance-related financial terms was closed. Rego had attracted interest from other clubs keen to bring him in for next season, but his priority throughout remained reaching an agreement with Athletic.
"We are excited and looking forward to getting to know the new coach, and eager to turn last season around. We want to return Athletic to where it belongs," Rego said.
The club's social media accounts had teased the announcement the previous evening with a post marking Yuri Berchiche's own renewal, signing off with "to be continued."
Rego reflected on his own journey to the club.
"I will never forget my beginnings at Indautxu, and when I would pass San Mames and think how I wished I could play there one day. Dreams come true with hope and hard work. I'm not satisfied, and I want much more with this badge, with my team," Rego said. "It's a source of pride to see the club trusts you, and I want to repay that trust."