Nico Williams, the winger for Athletic Club, has dominated football headlines this week after making a career-defining decision. Amidst a whirlwind of speculation and mounting pressure from European giants, Williams has committed his future to Athletic Club, signing a landmark contract extension that keeps him in Bilbao until 2035. This move, confirmed just hours ago, has not only stunned the football world but also solidified Williams’ status as a modern icon for the Basque side.
The Nico Williams Transfer Saga: Barcelona’s Pursuit Ends
For weeks, Williams was the focal point of a high-stakes transfer battle. Both FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich were determined to secure his signature, with Barcelona reportedly ready to trigger his €58 million release clause and having already agreed personal terms with the player.
However, the deal hit a major stumbling block: Barcelona’s ongoing financial constraints and La Liga’s strict registration rules.
Williams and his representatives insisted on written guarantees that he would be registered to play immediately, but Barcelona could not provide the necessary assurances due to their salary cap issues and the need to offload players first.
This uncertainty ultimately led Williams to reject the advances of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, opting instead for stability and loyalty. In his own words:
“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!”
🚨❤️🤍 BREAKING: Nico Williams signs new long term deal at Athletic Club until June 2035!
The agreement includes new release clause for +50% compared to €58m previous one and salary increase.
⛔️ Barcelona deal OFF due to registration issues. pic.twitter.com/Ew5odMQqzL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2025
The Impact
- Contract Details: Williams’ new deal runs until June 2035, with his release clause increased by more than 50% compared to his previous contract, making him one of the most protected assets in Spanish football.
- Club Icon Status: By turning down lucrative offers and choosing to stay, Williams has joined the ranks of club legends, following in the footsteps of his brother Iñaki Williams and other homegrown stars.
- Statement of Intent: Athletic Club’s ability to retain Williams sends a powerful message to rivals and fans alike, underlining their ambition to compete at the highest level with local talent.
Athletic Club’s Upcoming Match: Focus Returns to the Pitch
With the transfer saga now resolved, attention shifts to Athletic Club’s next fixture. The team will face Deportivo Alavés in a friendly on July 22, 2025, at El Prao, Laguardia.
| Fixture | Date | Venue | Kick-off |
| Deportivo Alavés vs Athletic Club | July 22, 2025 | El Prao, Laguardia | 19:00 |
This match will be the first opportunity for fans to witness Williams in action since his contract renewal, and anticipation is high for a standout performance from the winger as he embarks on this new chapter with the club.
