BREAKING: Nico Williams has officially signed a new long-term contract with Athletic Club, committing his future to the club until June 2035 — a massive show of faith from both the player and the club.
This move is a huge statement from the 21-year-old Spanish international, who was one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe this summer. Barcelona, in particular, had been heavily linked with Williams, viewing him as a perfect fit for their rebuild under Hansi Flick. With his explosive pace, technical ability, and creativity from the left flank, Williams had emerged as a top target to reinforce Barça’s attack.
However, all hopes of that transfer are now completely dead, as Nico has opted to stay loyal to the club that nurtured him from his youth. The new deal is not only lengthy — running until 2035 — but is also believed to include improved financial terms and possibly a revised release clause, which would significantly strengthen Athletic Club’s negotiating position in the future.
This contract extension is also seen as a symbolic victory for Athletic Club, a team known for its strict Basque-only recruitment policy. Securing the long-term future of a rising star like Williams, especially in the face of interest from European giants, underlines the club’s growing ambition to compete at a higher level while staying true to its identity.
From a sporting perspective, this is a major boost for Athletic Club’s long-term project. Nico Williams, alongside his older brother Iñaki Williams, will continue to form a dynamic duo in attack — one that gives fans a lot to be excited about.
For Barcelona, however, this is a significant blow. They now have to turn their attention to other targets in a transfer window already complicated by Financial Fair Play constraints. Their hunt for a top-level winger continues — but Nico Williams is no longer on the list. ⛔️
