In a stunning twist that has rocked Barcelona’s summer plans, Nico Williams has turned his back on a move to the Camp Nou and instead committed his long-term future to Athletic Bilbao, penning a blockbuster new contract that runs until 2035.
The 22-year-old winger, who has been heavily tipped to join Barça this summer, chose loyalty over glamour, declaring in his announcement:
“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart. I am where I want to be, with my people. This is my home.”
Williams, a product of Bilbao’s revered youth system, has made 167 senior appearances for the club, racking up 31 goals and 30 assists.
He played a key role in their Copa Del Rey triumph last two seasons and will now lead the Basque side into next season’s Champions League campaign.
Barcelona were reportedly so confident of landing Williams that they had already agreed personal terms with the Spain international.
But the Catalan giants’ well-documented financial woes and a preference to spread his transfer fee in instalments left the door wide open for Bilbao to pounce.
Adding insult to injury for Barça, Williams’ new contract comes with a release clause that has shot up by more than 50 per cent, jumping from €58 million (£50m) to an eye-watering new figure that could keep suitors at bay for years to come.
European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Arsenal were also monitoring the winger’s situation, but Williams’ commitment to his boyhood club sends a clear message: for now, San Mamés is where his heart lies.
With the Basque star off the table, Barcelona’s hunt for a new wide man has hit a major snag.
The club will likely have to pivot towards other targets, with Manchester United’s out-of-favour Marcus Rashford, fresh from a loan spell at Aston Villa, once again emerging as a potential option.
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