Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has signed a new eight-year contract with the club, ending rumours of a move to Barcelona.
Reports suggested the 22-year-old was set to make the switch to the Catalan giants in a blockbuster summer move, but he has instead opted to remain with his current club.
Williams’ new deal will run until 2035 and includes an increased release clause, pricing Barca out of the picture.
Speaking after signing the extension, Williams was full of love for the club. He said: “When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I’m where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!”
A product of the club’s academy, Williams has already established himself as a key figure in the squad. Since breaking into the senior team, Williams has made 167 appearances, scored 31 goals, and contributed 30 assists.
In 2023-24, he played a pivotal role in Athletic’s Copa del Rey triumph and is set to continue that momentum with the team as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League campaign next term.
💥 Nico Williams renueva con el Athletic Club hasta 2035.
El extremo rojiblanco se vincula al club de su corazón durante las próximas diez temporadas y su cláusula de rescisión aumenta más de un 50%. #NicoWilliams2035 #AthleticWIN 🦁
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) July 4, 2025
Barcelona had reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Spain international but hoped to pay the transfer fee in instalments – a condition that did not meet Athletic’s requirements.
The Blaugrana were also having registration issues and are facing scrutiny from clubs and La Liga over their finances, making a deal for the winger even more complicated.
With the new contract, Williams’ release clause has reportedly risen by over 50%, having previously been set at €58 million (£50 million), making any future move significantly more expensive.
