Just when it seemed Barcelona had their man, Nico Williams chose loyalty over lure, signing a new long-term contract with Athletic Club that will keep him in Bilbao until 2035.
Barcelona were confident. Sporting director Deco spoke publicly of Williams’ “desire to join,” and president Joan Laporta signalled their readiness to activate his €58 million release clause. But in a dramatic U-turn, Williams recommitted to the club he joined at 11, brushing off intense transfer speculation.
Athletic confirmed the deal on Friday, revealing that the winger’s release clause has now risen by more than 50%. It’s a significant financial deterrent and a statement of intent. “When you have to make decisions, for me, what weighs most is the heart,” Williams said in a powerful video, spray-painting “2035” over a vandalised mural of himself in Bilbao.
The 22-year-old has faced pressure from all sides. Barcelona have chased him since last summer, while fans at San Mamés, believing his exit inevitable, twice defaced his mural. Yet the lure of Champions League football with his boyhood club, and the bond with brother Iñaki, proved too strong to break.
Williams has made 167 appearances for Athletic, scoring 31 goals and playing a pivotal role in ending the club’s 40-year trophy drought with a Copa del Rey win in 2024. His form for Spain has been equally impressive, 28 caps, six goals, including one in the Euro 2024 final against England.
Off the pitch, Barça’s charm offensive was relentless. Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Pedri pushed hard for his signature, with Yamal even posting suggestive stories on social media. But the decision is now final, Williams is staying in Bilbao.
Barcelona must now explore alternatives. Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford are on their radar, but negotiations won’t be easy.
