We have a winning project for everyone – Athletic Bilbao president hopeful of keeping Nico Williams
Nico Williams has been linked with Barcelona and Arsenal, but Athletic Bilbao believe he could stay.
Athletic Bilbao are hopeful of keeping Nico Williams despite transfer links with Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Spain winger has a contract with the Basque side, who qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish in LaLiga, until 2027.
However, he is said to have a release clause of around £50million, though his wage demands would significantly increase the total cost of a move for the 22-year-old.
And in an interview with El Correo, Athletic president Jon Uriarte expressed optimism around the prospect of keeping Williams for at least another season.
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“I believe we have a winning and interesting project for everyone, and Nico is part of that project, just like many other players,” Uriarte said.
“The project becomes easier if we keep our players – and I believe Nico and the rest of the squad have a very exciting year ahead.”
Williams scored 11 goals and recorded seven assists in the 2024-25 season as Athletic also reached the semi-finals of the Europa League in addition to their impressive LaLiga campaign.
The scorer of the opening goal in Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 final, Williams could increase the attention around him when La Roja face France in the Nations League semi-final on Thursday.