Spain Winger Nico Williams Signs 10-Year Deal with Athletic Bilbao, Ends Barcelona Transfer

Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Spanish winger, has committed his future to Athletic Bilbao by signing a new 10-year contract extending until 2035, significantly increasing his release clause by over 50% to around €95-100 million. This move effectively ends Barcelona's pursuit of the player for the second consecutive summer, despite their willingness to pay his previous €58 million release clause and his close friendship with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Barcelona's failure to provide registration guarantees, coupled with their ongoing financial difficulties, contributed to the breakdown of transfer talks. Other clubs like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Chelsea had shown interest, but Athletic's new contract and increased release clause have made Williams unaffordable. Williams expressed his loyalty to Athletic Bilbao, emphasizing that his heart and family ties influenced his decision to remain at his hometown club. Athletic Club hailed the contract renewal as a historic milestone and a vote of confidence in their sporting project, including ambitions to compete in the Champions League.