Nico Williams to Barcelona cancelled: Spain forward signs huge 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao
The 22-year-old winger, who scored in Spain's Euro 2024 final victory over England, will now remain at San Mamés until June 2035, as announced by Athletic Bilbao. His existing deal was due to expire in 2027.
Athletic confirmed that Williams' release clause, previously reported to be around €62 million, has been increased by 50%, signalling the club's firm stance on keeping one of their most valuable assets.
"When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart," Williams said. "I'm where I want to be, with my people—this is my home."
Williams has become a key figure at Athletic since breaking into the senior side in 2021 at the age of 18.
He has made 167 appearances, scored 31 goals, and was instrumental in Bilbao's fourth-place La Liga finish last season, securing a return to the UEFA Champions League.
His loyalty to the club contrasts with recent speculation.
Reports last month indicated Barcelona had agreed personal terms with the winger, prompting strong backlash from Athletic fans. In response, some supporters even removed his image from a popular mural in the city that also features his older brother and teammate, Iñaki Williams.
Athletic publicly expressed concern over Barcelona's intentions, citing statements from sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta.
The club questioned whether Barça were in a financial position to sign players, pointing to La Liga's '1:1 rule', which restricts clubs from spending beyond their income limits.
Despite the mounting transfer talk, Williams' long-term commitment provides clarity ahead of the new season and a boost to Athletic's ambitions in both domestic and European competition.
A product of the club's academy, Williams now joins a rare group of modern players pledging their peak years to a single club—further reinforcing Athletic Bilbao's reputation for nurturing and retaining local talent.
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