Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has put an end to months of intense transfer speculation by signing a new long-term contract that will keep him at San Mamés until 2035.
The 22-year-old, who had been heavily linked with a summer move to FC Barcelona, opted instead to extend his stay with the Basque side—delivering a major boost to Athletic and a blow to the Catalan giants.
Barcelona were reportedly prepared to activate the €62 million release clause in Nico’s previous contract, and a six-year deal was said to be agreed in principle. However, talks hit a roadblock over concerns regarding Barcelona’s ability to guarantee his registration with La Liga, a condition the club was unwilling to formalize in writing.
Despite this, confidence had remained high that a deal would be completed—until the winger made a dramatic U-turn.
In a video released by Athletic Club on their official page today, Nico confirmed his decision to stay, stating:
“When it comes to making decisions, the most important thing is to listen to your heart. I am in the place where I want to be, with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!”
Athletic confirmed that the new deal will run until June 30, 2035, replacing the previous contract that was set to expire in 2027. The club also revealed that Nico’s new release clause has been increased by more than 50%, now standing in the region of €95–100 million.
The announcement came with a not-so-subtle jab at Barcelona. In a club statement, Athletic wrote:
“His step forward in the face of dizzying offers is a resounding success for Athletic Club”—a true Athletic WIN (Williams, Iñaki and Nico).”
The hashtag #AthleticWIN also trended on social media, underlining the symbolic nature of the deal.
Nico Williams, who enjoyed a breakout campaign last season and starred for Spain at Euro 2024, remains one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe. His decision to reject one of Europe’s elite clubs in favour of continuing his journey at Athletic is being hailed as a defining moment for the club’s future.
With his brother Iñaki also under contract, the Williams brothers will continue to play a central role in Athletic’s ambitions—on and off the pitch.