Nico Williams Snubs Barcelona, Signs Record Deal with Athletic Club Till 2035

In a stunning twist to the summer transfer saga, Nico Williams has firmly turned down a move to Barcelona and instead pledged his long-term future to Athletic Club, signing a monumental eight-year contract extension. This decision ends months of speculation linking the electric winger with a Camp Nou switch, marking a massive win for the Basque side both on and off the field.

Heart Over Hype: Nico Williams Stays Loyal

For weeks, the rumour mill was in overdrive. Barcelona were reportedly on the verge of triggering the then-active €62 million release clause for the 22-year-old winger, even reaching a verbal agreement on a six-year deal. Arsenal were also quietly monitoring the situation as part of their plans to bolster their frontline.

But on Friday, Athletic Club dropped a bombshell: Nico Williams had not only renewed his contract but had done so until June 30, 2035 — an unprecedented eight-year extension. More crucially, his release clause has now surged to over €93 million, a 50% increase that effectively locks out suitors in the short term.

“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. Aupa Athletic!” – Nico Williams

Why Barcelona Missed Out

Reports earlier this week hinted that Barça were set to activate Nico’s release clause on the very day his renewal was announced. But financial complications once again stymied their plans.

Under La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play regulations, clubs can only spend what they earn — and Barcelona, despite offloading some players, are still struggling to meet the 1:1 registration rule. Their high-profile legal battles involving Dani Olmo and Pau Victor added fuel to the fire, while La Liga president Javier Tebas openly stated that as of now, Barça would not be able to register Nico even if they signed him.

A Win for Athletic Club’s Unique Philosophy

Nico Williams’ decision is not just a personal statement; it’s a cultural one. Athletic Club is one of the few elite clubs in the world that adheres to a unique identity — only fielding players with Basque roots. His renewal aligns with the club’s deep-rooted ethos of loyalty, tradition, and sporting pride.

Williams joins a growing list of teammates — Unai Simón, Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian, and Mikel Jauregizar — who have committed to the club’s ambitious long-term project under manager Ernesto Valverde. Not to forget, his older brother Iñaki Williams, the team’s captain and the face of a historic era.

Nico Williams at a Glance

Nico Williams is Athletic’s Global Star

Nico’s on-field performances have been nothing short of exceptional. With blistering pace, creativity, and an eye for goal, he has consistently torn apart defenses in Spain and across Europe. His contributions played a pivotal role in securing a Champions League spot for Athletic this past season.

Off the pitch, he has grown into an international ambassador for the club. Named MVP of the Euro 2024 final after helping Spain clinch the title and earning a 15th-place Ballon d’Or nomination, Nico’s stardom is only ascending.

LaLiga vs. The Giants

While Athletic are celebrating a massive retention, La Liga’s ongoing feud with Spain’s biggest clubs continues to grab headlines. President Javier Tebas reignited tensions this week with direct criticism of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Tebas confirmed that, even if Barcelona had managed to reach a deal with Nico Williams, the club wouldn’t have been able to register him due to ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues. Under LaLiga’s regulations, Barça must adhere to the 1:1 spending rule — meaning they can only spend what they bring in — and at present, they still don’t meet those criteria.

“As of today, Barca would not be able to register Nico Williams… The registration period started today, and they wouldn’t be able to do it.” – Javier Tebas

This revelation might have played a significant role in Nico’s final decision to back out of a Camp Nou switch. With growing uncertainty about his immediate eligibility and role in Catalonia, staying at Athletic Club — where he is already a cornerstone — became the more stable, long-term option.

Tebas didn’t stop there. He also demanded disciplinary action against Real Madrid, accusing the club of orchestrating a media campaign against referees via Real Madrid TV.

“They should be sanctioned for the Real Madrid TV videos. Now it will be up to the Supreme Court to make the decision, but we’ll see.”

As La Liga’s two traditional powerhouses spar with the league’s top brass, clubs like Athletic Club are quietly reinforcing their future — and winning, not just on the pitch, but in principle.

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