In a dramatic twist few saw coming, Nico Williams has officially rejected a move to Barcelona and instead committed his long-term future to Athletic Club. Despite agreeing personal terms with the Catalan giants, the Spanish international has signed a massive contract extension that keeps him in Bilbao until 2035.
💥 The Unexpected U-Turn
Barcelona had been confident of securing the winger's services this summer, having reached a personal agreement with Williams. His previous €62 million release clause made him an attainable target, and with interest from top clubs across Europe, his move to Camp Nou appeared almost inevitable.
However, concerns over Barça’s financial limitations —particularly regarding player registration and salary caps under La Liga regulations—reportedly threw the deal into doubt.
Out of nowhere, Athletic Club announced on Friday that Williams had put pen to paper on a 10-year deal, significantly raising his buyout clause by over 50%.
🗣️ Nico Williams: “This Is My Home”
Speaking after signing the new deal, Williams said:
“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.”
His decision has been hailed as a major victory for Athletic Club, with club officials describing it as a defining moment in their project to retain top talent in the Basque region.
😬 What This Means for Barcelona
For Barcelona, this is a major blow. The club had prioritized the signing of a versatile forward and viewed Williams as a long-term solution for their left wing. The failure to land him leaves them scrambling for alternatives.
❌ Luis Díaz – Too Expensive
Barcelona had also explored a move for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, but were put off by his high asking price.
🔄 Marcus Rashford – Now an Option
Sources say Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is interested in a move to La Liga, and he could now emerge as Barça's backup target in the wake of Williams’ decision.
🔮 What’s Next?
With the transfer window heating up and time ticking, Barcelona must reassess their strategy, particularly with financial fair play limitations still impacting their freedom in the market.
For Athletic Club, this is more than just a contract extension—it's a statement. They’ve managed to hold onto one of Spain’s brightest stars amid serious pressure from one of Europe’s biggest clubs.