Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract until 2035, rejecting a high-profile transfer to Barcelona despite their strong interest and readiness to pay his €58 million ($68.3 million) release clause.
The 22-year-old Spain international, who has been with Athletic since age 11 and stars alongside his brother Iñaki, announced his decision in an emotional club video, saying, “When you have to make decisions, what weighs most for me is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my people and this is my home. Aupa Athletic!”
His new deal reportedly increases his release clause by over 50%. Williams has made 167 appearances and scored 31 goals since his 2021 debut, playing a key role in Athletic’s 2024 Copa del Rey triumph that ended a 40-year major trophy drought. He also scored in Spain’s Euro 2024 final win over England.
Barcelona, who saw public pursuit by sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta, must now explore other winger options, including Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, as they rethink their summer transfer plans following Williams’ decision to stay loyal to Athletic.
