Athletic Club forward Nico Williams has signed a new contract extension that ties him to the Basque side until 2035, effectively ending speculation about a potential summer move to Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
Williams, who is of Ghanaian descent and the younger brother of Black Stars striker Inaki Williams, has committed to an eight-year deal that significantly raises his release clause.
The new clause, according to Spanish reports, is more than 50% higher than in his previous contract and is now estimated to be close to €80 million.
“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart,” Williams said following the announcement. “I am where I want to be, with my people—this is my home.”
The 22-year-old joined Athletic’s academy in 2013 and made his senior debut in 2021.
Since then, he has established himself as one of LaLiga’s most dynamic attackers, featuring in 131 league matches and scoring 16 goals. He added another 15 goals in other competitions.
Williams played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumph at the 2024 UEFA European Championship and is expected to be a key part of their plans heading into the next World Cup cycle.
Athletic Club enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, finishing fourth in LaLiga and securing Champions League football. They also reached the Europa League semi-finals before losing to Manchester United.
Barcelona had long targeted Williams to bolster their attack but have now been forced to reconsider their options. Talks with Liverpool winger Luis Díaz have reportedly collapsed, leaving the Catalan club in search of alternative wide players.
