Nico Williams’ decision to renew his contract with Athletic Club until 2035 has not only delighted fans in Bilbao but also brought welcome relief to LaLiga rivals Osasuna, who feared a potential raid on their key players.
Williams, born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents, had been heavily linked with a move away from the Basque club, with speculation around a €62 million release clause prompting heightened interest across Europe.
However, the new deal has increased his clause and effectively ended the immediate transfer saga.
For Osasuna, the news is particularly significant. The club had been bracing for a possible domino effect if Williams had departed, with Athletic previously showing interest in players such as Aimar Oroz, Jon Moncayola, Jorge Herrando, and Jesús Areso.
Williams’ continued stay reduces the urgency for Athletic to pursue domestic replacements, giving Osasuna greater transfer window stability.
While Athletic could still express interest in Areso and others, Williams’ renewal suggests the club may have already secured a central piece of their future, easing their need to aggressively target Osasuna’s talent pool.
The winger, who debuted in 2021, has established himself as one of LaLiga’s most promising players, already making over 130 appearances and playing a key role in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign.
For now, Osasuna’s focus shifts back to building a competitive side without fear of losing their core players.
