Nico Williams has extended his stay at Athletic Club after putting pen to paper in a deal that runs through until 2035. Barcelona were keen on signing the player before the transfer window closes.
Athletic confirmed on Friday that the Spain international had penned a long-term renewal, which will see his €60 million (£50m, $62m) release clause raised by 50 per cent to €90m.
Barcelona had earlier reached a verbal agreement to sign the 22-year-old on principle in June. However, the club were unable to generate the heirloom for Nico Williams’ release clause which had seen the deal stall.
“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important is to listen to your heart,” Williams said upon his renewal. “I am where I want to be, with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!”
Athletic’s announcement video showed Williams spray-painting the mural of him and his older brother Inaki with ‘2035’ — the same mural which had previously been defaced by Athletic fans ahead of his possible exit.
Inaki, 31, posted upon the announcement “he stays”!
Barcelona joined the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in the race for the player last summer. But were rebuffed by Athletic, whose president Jon Uriarte said the club were “financially, socially and sportingly capable of keeping players of the calibre of Nico Williams”.
Bayern Munich were also interested in signing Williams, as they are aiming to strengthen in wide areas after also losing out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool earlier this summer.
Williams came through Athletic’s academy and made his senior debut in April 2020 aged 18. Since then he has made 167 appearances, registering 31 goals and 30 assists.
He made his senior international debut for Spain in September 2022.
Williams was part of their squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and played vital roles as Spain won the 2024 European Championship.
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