Nico Williams says he has no regrets over rejecting Barcelona move

Spain international Nico Williams has spoken publicly about the difficult decision to reject a move to Barcelona, insisting he has no regrets about signing a long-term contract with Athletic Bilbao instead.

The 24-year-old, who committed his future to Bilbao until 2035, described last summer as one of the most challenging periods of his career, with intense speculation surrounding his future.

Williams reflects on difficult transfer saga

Speaking in a documentary broadcast by RTVE, Williams admitted the uncertainty surrounding his future placed significant pressure on both him and his family.

“It was an unusual year for me,” the Spain winger said.

“It was a very difficult summer, my family and I were under a lot of pressure, and in the end it wasn’t easy.”

Despite continued interest from Barcelona, Williams said he remains convinced that staying with his boyhood club was the right decision.

“I made the right decision. I prefer to stay at this club rather than win five Champions League titles or two La Liga titles, and I have proven that.”

Brother reveals family’s difficult experience

Athletic Bilbao captain Iñaki Williams said the constant speculation surrounding his younger brother’s future made the situation even more difficult.

“If my brother hadn’t made his decision overnight, or if he had remained silent or needed to think about what was for him a radical change in his life, it seemed to some that he was acting wrongly.”

He also revealed some of the incidents the family endured during the transfer saga.

“The worst moment was when the mural was vandalized, especially when my brother returned from vacation with his girlfriend and we found the car window smashed.”

Iñaki added that conflicting media reports only increased the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

“Conflicting reports in the media have increased the state of ambiguity and uncertainty.”

Emotional decision to stay

Iñaki also recalled the moment his brother informed him that he had decided to remain at Athletic Bilbao.

“He called me via video call. We were in Ibiza, and he said to me: Iñaki, I’ve decided to stay. I replied: Are you kidding? Then I said to my wife: This boy has grown up, my brother is no longer a child.”

Focus shifts to World Cup final

A year after making that decision, Williams is preparing for one of the biggest matches of his career.

The winger is part of the Spain squad set to face Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where he will look to cap an impressive tournament after putting last summer’s transfer speculation firmly behind him.