Latest news with #InakiWilliams
Times of Oman
05-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Nico Williams rejects Barcelona, extends contract with Athletic Bilbao
MADRID -- Athletic Bilbao has ended speculation over Nico Williams' future by announcing that the Spain international forward has signed an eight-year contract extension with the club. The new deal, which also increases the 22-year-old's release clause by 50 percent to around 90 million euros (106 million U.S. dollars), has effectively ended rumors that Williams was on the verge of signing for FC Barcelona. While the new contract is good news for Athletic, it is a huge disappointment for Barcelona, after the club had made strong efforts to try to sign the winger for the second consecutive summer. The club is still struggling to meet La Liga's financial regulations which would enable it to make new signings and include them in its first-team squad. Barcelona had made no secret of the club's wish to sign the younger of the Williams brothers, with the club's sporting director Deco saying in a recent interview that the player wanted to join the club. However, while the rumor mill continued to spin, Athletic was working quietly on a new deal with the forward - his second in just 12 months - to keep him in Bilbao. Williams scored 11 goals in 45 appearances for Athletic last season as the club reached the semifinals of the Europa League, while also finishing fourth in La Liga to book a place in next season's Champions League. Nico and his elder brother Inaki have become symbols of the Basque club and have featured in a TV documentary about them and their family.
Free Malaysia Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Nico Williams pens new Athletic Bilbao deal in transfer twist
Nico Williams has become a regular for Spain and was named player of the match as La Roja won the Euro 2024 final. (AP pic) MADRID : Athletic Bilbao announced today that coveted Spain forward Nico Williams had extended his contract to 2035 with an increased release clause, warding off reported interest from La Liga champions Barcelona. The deal, which extends the contract by eight years and swells the release clause by 50%, is 'a resounding success' faced with 'dizzying offers' for the 22-year-old, the club said in a statement. 'When you have to make decisions, for me what matters most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home,' Williams was quoted as saying in the statement. Playing alongside his older brother Inaki Williams, Nico emerged through the Basque side's youth ranks to become a star performer, netting 31 goals over his five seasons with the first team. His dynamic wing play helped the club win the 2024 Copa del Rey – ending a 40-year drought in the competition – and qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League. Williams had attracted attention from European giants, with press reports linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. Williams has also become a regular for Spain and was named player of the match as La Roja defeated England to win the Euro 2024 final.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A big pay day for Nico Williams! Athletic Club star's new salary and release clause revealed as winger sensationally snubs Barcelona to sign contract extension at Basque side
Williams signs deal with Athletic until 2035 Snubs Barcelona, Bayern, Chelsea and Arsenal interest New release clause rises to over €95m WHAT HAPPENED? Williams has signed a stunning 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club, keeping him at San Mames until 2035. The new deal drastically increases his salary and raises his release clause to over €95 million (£80m/$108m), up from the previous €60m (£50m/$69m). Despite heavy interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal, the 22-year-old opted to stay in Bilbao. Advertisement THE BIGGER PICTURE THE BIGGER PICTURE Athletic's renewal of Williams marks a major statement of intent. With European giants circling, the Basque club pulled out all the stops to retain their star winger, offering a staggered contract with increasing pay based on performance and team results. He'll become the club's highest-paid player, ahead of his brother Inaki Williams, Unai Simon, and Oihan Sancet. The move also gives Athletic financial protection, raising his release clause by 50 per cent as a barrier against future interest. For Barcelona, who viewed him as a top target for their rebuild, the rejection is a significant blow. Advertisement WHAT WILLIAMS SAID In a video filmed at the iconic Lutxana mural, he said: 'When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I'm where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Go Athletic!' WHAT NEXT? WHAT NEXT? The Spanish winger will remain a key figure in Athletic's Champions League campaign, continuing to wear the No.10 shirt. Williams is expected to lead the team's European challenge and stay central to their project for years to come.
Al Jazeera
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Jazeera
Nico Williams ends Barcelona rumours, inks new Athletic Bilbao deal
Athletic Bilbao announced that coveted Spain forward Nico Williams had extended his contract to 2035 with an increased release clause, warding off reported interest from La Liga champions Barcelona. The deal, which extends the contract by eight years and swells the release clause by 50 percent, is 'a resounding success', faced with 'dizzying offers' for the 22-year-old, the club said in a statement on Friday. 'When you have to make decisions, for me what matters most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home,' Williams was quoted as saying in the statement. Playing alongside his older brother Inaki Williams, Nico emerged through the Basque side's youth ranks to become a star performer, netting 31 goals over his five seasons with the first team. His dynamic wing play helped the club win the 2024 Copa del Rey – ending a 40-year drought in the competition – and qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League. Williams had attracted attention from European giants, with news reports linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. Williams has also become a regular for Spain and was named player of the match as La Roja defeated England to win the Euro 2024 final.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nico Williams pens new Athletic deal in transfer twist
Nico Williams' dynamic wing play helped Athletic Bilbao win the 2024 Copa del Rey and qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League (ANDER GILLENEA) Athletic Bilbao announced on Friday that coveted Spain forward Nico Williams had extended his contract to 2035 with an increased release clause, warding off reported interest from La Liga champions Barcelona. The deal, which extends the contract by eight years and swells the release clause by 50 percent, is "a resounding success" faced with "dizzying offers" for the 22-year-old, the club said in a statement. Advertisement "When you have to make decisions, for me what matters most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home," Williams was quoted as saying in the statement. Playing alongside his older brother Inaki Williams, Nico emerged through the Basque side's youth ranks to become a star performer, netting 31 goals over his five seasons with the first team. His dynamic wing play helped the club win the 2024 Copa del Rey -- ending a 40-year drought in the competition -- and qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League. Williams had attracted attention from European giants, with press reports linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. Williams has also become a regular for Spain and was named player of the match as La Roja defeated England to win the Euro 2024 final. imm/mdm/pi
