Nico Williams has stunned Barcelona by signing a new Athletic Club contract through 2035, rejecting the Spanish champions\' advances. The surprise announcement came despite Barcelona sporting director Deco recently stating Williams had shown \"strong desire to join\" the club.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had confirmed they were prepared to pay Williams\' €58 million release clause. The Catalan club made the 22-year-old Spain international their top summer transfer priority after first pursuing him last summer.
Athletic Club Complained About Barcelona\'s Finances
Athletic Club had complained to LaLiga about Barcelona\'s finances in a bid to scupper the deal. The transfer appeared so advanced that Athletic fans twice defaced a mural featuring Williams in recent weeks.
Barcelona sources revealed negotiations collapsed when Williams\' camp requested an exit clause in case the club could not register him. Senior Barcelona figures refused to include such a provision, ultimately ending the transfer pursuit.
Williams Cites Emotional Connection to Boyhood Club
Williams explained his decision to remain at the club he joined as an 11-year-old rather than pursue the Barcelona opportunity.
\"When you have to make decisions, for me, what weights most is the heart,\" Williams said in Athletic\'s announcement video. \"I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!\"
The announcement video showed Williams spray-painting \'2035\' on the previously defaced mural. His brother Inaki Williams, Ghana\'s international, posted \"he stays\" upon the announcement.
Release Clause Increased by More Than 50 Percent
Williams\' new contract includes a release clause \"more than 50% more than it was previously,\" raising it from €58 million to approximately €90 million. The academy graduate will play Champions League football with Athletic next season.
Since breaking into Athletic\'s first team in 2021, Williams has made 167 appearances and scored 31 goals. He helped end the club\'s 40-year major trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey in 2024.
Barcelona Must Pursue Alternative Targets
Barcelona will now target other wingers after making Williams their priority to support Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Liverpool\'s Luis Diaz remains a target, though the Premier League champions have rejected approaches from both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Manchester United\'s Marcus Rashford represents another option. The England forward recently said he \"hopes\" to play alongside Yamal one day.
Williams has earned 28 caps for Spain under Luis de la Fuente, scoring six goals including one in their Euro 2024 final victory over England. His close relationship with Barcelona players like Yamal, Alejandro Balde and Pedri through the national team had fueled transfer speculation.