Transfer market: Courted by Barça, Nico Williams renews contract with Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao has confirmed the contract extension of Nico Williams who renewed with the Basque club until 2035. This is bad news for Barça, who had made the Spanish player their top priority for this summer.
Nico Williams@getty images
Nico Williams will not be leaving Athletic Bilbao after all. Targeted by Barça, who set their sights on the 22-year-old player since his achievement at the Euro 2024, the Spanish national player renewed with the Basque club. The younger brother of Inaki extended his commitment with the Iberian outfit for another eight seasons, until 2035.
The confirmation was made by the members of La Liga in a statement on their social networks: “Athletic Club and Nico Williams have reached an agreement to extend his contract by eight seasons, until June 30, 2035, which was due to expire in 2027. His termination clause increases by more than 50% compared to the previous one”, they stated.
This essentially keeps him away from potential suitors. However, to secure the services of the Roja’s player going forward, a sum between 80 and 90 million euros will now be required to activate this release clause.
And above all, they must convince the native of Pamplona to get on board with the project, as he seems to be firmly wrapping himself up in the Basque club, as evidenced by his reaction after signing: “when it comes to making decisions, for me, what counts the most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my own. This is my home. Go Athleti”.