Nico Williams Rejects Barcelona To Sign With Athletic Through 2035

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, Nico Williams has committed his long-term future to Athletic Club, signing a new contract that binds him to the Basque giants until 2035. This groundbreaking announcement comes despite relentless pursuit from reigning Spanish champions Barcelona, who had made the 22-year-old Spain international their top summer transfer priority. The decision marks a significant victory for Athletic and a considerable blow to Barcelona's meticulously planned transfer strategy.

Barcelona's interest in Williams was no secret, extending back to last summer. Their sporting director, Deco, had recently publicly stated that Williams had shown a strong desire to join the Catalan club, further fueling widespread speculation. Barcelona president Joan Laporta had even confirmed the club's readiness to activate Williams' previous €58 million release clause. The transfer appeared so imminent that Athletic Club had reportedly lodged complaints with LaLiga regarding Barcelona's financial conduct in an attempt to scupper the deal, and a mural featuring Williams in Bilbao was twice defaced by frustrated Athletic fans in recent weeks, seemingly resigned to his departure.

However, sources close to Barcelona revealed that negotiations ultimately collapsed over a crucial sticking point. Williams' representatives had requested an exit clause in the new contract, specifically to protect the player should Barcelona encounter any issues registering him due to their ongoing financial fair play constraints. Senior figures within Barcelona, unwilling to concede such a provision, refused to include the clause, bringing their prolonged transfer pursuit to an abrupt end.

Williams himself shed light on his decision, emphasizing an profound emotional connection to the club he joined as an 11-year-old. He conveyed that when making decisions, for him, what weighed most was the heart, and that he was where he wanted to be, with his people, calling Athletic his home. The announcement video released by Athletic poignantly showed Williams spray-painting '2035' onto the very mural that had previously been defaced, a powerful symbol of his renewed commitment. His brother, Ghana international Inaki Williams, succinctly celebrated the news on social media, simply stating, "he stays."

The new deal not only secures Williams' future but also significantly strengthens Athletic's financial position, as his release clause has been increased by more than 50 percent, now standing at approximately €90 million. Since breaking into Athletic's first team in 2021, Williams has amassed 167 appearances, scoring 31 goals. He played a pivotal role in ending the club's 40-year major trophy drought by helping them lift the Copa del Rey in 2024, and will now lead them into Champions League football next season. His strong rapport with Barcelona players like Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Pedri through the national team, where he has earned 28 caps for Spain and scored six goals, including one in their Euro 2024 final victory, had only intensified the transfer speculation.