It’s a huge surprise: Nico Williams (22) unexpectedly extended his contract with Athletic Bilbao on Friday until 2035, rejecting offers from Barcelona and Munich.
It was really just a question of when Nico Williams’ transfer would be made public this summer. FC Barcelona was openly flirting with the 2024 European champion – and even got a slap on the wrist from Athletic Bilbao for it. In the background, FC Bayern was working to convince the lightning-fast left winger to sign with Munich after all.
However, both clubs have come away empty-handed, as Nico Williams, who had previously resisted extending his contract, which was due to expire in 2027, signed a new deal until 2035 in a complete surprise move. The younger brother of teammate Inaki Williams has committed himself to his beloved club for ten years. According to Bilbao, the release clause, which previously stood at €64 million including taxes, has been raised by “more than 50 percent” – and is now approaching the €100 million mark.
“When it comes to making decisions, my heart weighs the most,” Nico Williams said in a video message: “I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic.”
In the video, Nico Williams “defaces” a mural of himself in Bilbao. Not without reason: at the end of June, unknown perpetrators had written the words “Whether you go or stay, you’ve lost our respect” on the mural. Bilbao even issued a statement in response.
Negotiations with Barcelona had recently stalled
In Barcelona, they will also have their say. There have now been three failed attempts to bring Nico Williams to Catalonia. Those responsible had actually been optimistic. Recently, however, negotiations are said to have cooled because Nico Williams and his advisor demanded “unacceptable” guarantees that would ensure the player’s registration.
Dani Olmo had recently called for trust in this regard. Nico Williams’ teammate on the Spanish national team also had to sit out a few games due to registration issues, but still told Marca: “In the end, everything was cleared up. It’s clear that there may be doubts due to all the events. I had the utmost confidence in the club. It wasn’t an issue that worried me, and I was able to play.” Words that apparently failed to convince Nico Williams.
In Munich, Nico Williams was a serious alternative for the desired left winger. Since Friday, however, it has become clear that the option from Bilbao is no longer available to FCB sporting director Max Eberl.
