Nico Williams has doubled down on his dedication to Athletic Club, turning down curiosity from Barcelona to proceed his profession in Bilbao.
The Spain worldwide, who performed a key position in La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph, attracted sturdy consideration this summer season from the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Barcelona, specifically, have been reportedly ready to set off his €58million launch clause in an try to deliver the winger to Camp Nou, a 12 months after first registering their curiosity.
However, Williams just lately signed a contract extension with Athletic Club till June 2035, and he’s made it clear that his coronary heart stays within the Basque Country.
“We have an extended season forward of us and a few bold objectives, like enjoying within the Champions League – one thing each participant desires of,” Nico mentioned.
“What may very well be higher than doing it with the membership of my life? I need to maintain making historical past right here at San Mamés, with the followers, with my household, and filled with enthusiasm.”
Nico Williams on the choice to signal with Athletic Club till 2035 🏆 👀 pic.twitter.com/f8P2OItnCc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 16, 2025
Athletic Club’s director of soccer, Mikel Gonzalez, hailed the choice as a major victory for the membership.
“He is a singular and distinctive participant, and retaining this expertise at Athletic is unbelievable information,” mentioned Gonzalez.
Williams’ loyalty is particularly significant given his long-standing connection to the membership. He joined Athletic’s youth academy at simply 11 years outdated, and now, at 22, is without doubt one of the most fun younger wingers in European soccer.
Williams will proceed to share the pitch together with his older brother, Inaki Williams, who has been named first-team captain for the upcoming season.
“We’ve each at all times dreamed of this second,” Nico shared.
“My brother is a task mannequin for everybody, particularly for me. I believe he’s the perfect individual to be captain, and I can’t wait to see him carrying the armband for a very long time.”
