Nico Williams Transfer Saga: Barcelona and Premier League Giants Locked in €60M Race for Athletic Bilbao Ace

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has dealt a major blow to FC Barcelona’s summer transfer plans by signing a contract extension that ties him to San Mamés until 2035, ending weeks of speculation about a €58 million release-clause move to Catalonia. ATHLETIC CLUB WIN BIG WITH LONG-TERM DEAL Club sources confirm the renewal includes a significant salary increase and a reportedly higher buy-out clause, reinforcing the Basque side’s identity policy and protecting one of La Liga’s fastest-rising stars. The agreement follows a Friday morning summit in Bilbao between Williams, his agent Félix Tainta and close family members, where the 22-year-old opted for stability over a headline switch. BARCELONA’S REGISTRATION PROBLEM PROVES DECISIVE Despite Barca president Joan Laporta’s public willingness to meet the original €58 m clause, the club could not give written guarantees that Williams would be immediately registered for the 2025-26 La Liga season, a sticking point highlighted by the player’s camp during talks earlier this week. Coach Hansi Flick now faces the task of identifying alternative winger targets, with Porto’s Francisco Conceição and Wolves’ Pedro Neto said to be on an emergency shortlist. WHAT THE DECISION MEANS FOR THE MARKET • Arsenal and Bayern Munich, previously monitoring the situation, must reassess bids knowing Athletic will now demand a fee well above €70 m. • Athletic’s wage bill remains within La Liga limits after Iñaki Williams accepted a minor restructuring to help accommodate his younger brother’s raise. • Barcelona may shift funds toward a right-back and a defensive midfielder, two positions deemed more urgent by sporting director Deco. PLAYER FOCUS: WHY NICO WILLIAMS STAYED Williams, capped 28 times by Spain, has repeatedly spoken about “unfinished business” in Bilbao, including leading Athletic back into the Champions League and winning the club’s first Copa del Rey since 1984. Sources close to the family cite his comfort under coach Ernesto Valverde and the opportunity to play alongside brother Iñaki as pivotal factors. STAT BOX (2024-25 LA LIGA) • Appearances: 32 • Goals: 9 • Assists: 12 • Successful dribbles per 90: 3.7 (2nd in league) • Progressive carries per 90: 8.9 WHAT’S NEXT Athletic plan to present Williams at a public signing ceremony before the team departs for their US pre-season tour on 10 July. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente is also expected to select the winger for September’s UEFA Nations League opener, putting him in pole position for a starring role at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. BOTTOM LINE Nico Williams’ choice to remain at Athletic Club shifts the balance of power in the Spanish transfer market, forces Barcelona into a rethink and underscores Bilbao’s growing ability to retain elite home-grown talent.