Nico Williams Commits To Athletic Bilbao With Decade Deal

In a stunning twist to one of this summer's most talked-about transfer sagas, Nico Williams, the 23-year-old standout winger, has decisively committed his future to Athletic Club Bilbao by signing a remarkable 10-year contract extension, officially binding him to the Basque club until 2035. This unexpected move effectively shuts the door on a highly anticipated transfer to FC Barcelona, a deal that many had considered all but sealed.

On July 4, 2025, Athletic Club made the announcement official via their website, confirming that Williams has extended his contract through the summer of 2035. The club also revealed that his buyout clause has been increased by more than 50%, reportedly rising from the previous 58 million euros (approximately 93.2 billion KRW) to around 87 to 100 million euros (approximately 139.8 to 160.5 billion KRW), a figure that still remains within reach of Europe’s elite clubs but signals Bilbao’s intent to retain their prized asset.

Williams, a homegrown talent and Bilbao native, has been a key figure for the club since the 2022-23 season, steadily elevating his game and influence on the pitch. That season, he featured in 36 La Liga matches, netting six goals and assisting four. His growth continued into the 2023-24 campaign, where he scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 31 league appearances, further cementing his status as one of Spain’s most exciting young wingers.

His performances caught the attention of the Spanish national team selectors, earning him a spot in the squad for UEFA Euro 2024. Williams played a vital role on both flanks, contributing two goals and one assist across six matches, helping Spain secure their fourth European Championship title and their first in 12 years. His rise on the international stage only intensified interest from top clubs across Europe.

Barcelona had been one of the most persistent suitors, with transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reporting last month that the Catalan giants and Williams had reached a personal agreement on a six-year deal with an annual salary in the range of 7 to 8 million euros (approximately 11.3 to 12.9 billion KRW). Despite this, financial instability at Barcelona, largely due to La Liga's proportional salary cap regulations, cast doubts over their ability to register new players. The club’s failure to properly comply with these rules had already prevented the registration of players like Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Williams’ potential transfer.

In a dramatic and somewhat theatrical gesture, Athletic Club released a video featuring Williams standing before a mural of his face that had been vandalized by Barcelona fans amid transfer rumors. In the video, Williams sprays over the defaced mural with the words "WIN 2035," symbolizing the initials of himself and his brother Iñaki Williams, who also plays for Athletic Bilbao, and marking their long-term commitment to their hometown club. Wearing the club's new kit, Williams emphatically declared, "I am where I want to be," a statement that resonated deeply with the Athletic faithful and sent shockwaves through the Barcelona camp.

The reaction from Barcelona supporters was one of disbelief and frustration, with some having previously expressed their anger by defacing Williams’ mural. The revelation of his 10-year contract extension was perceived as a significant blow to Barcelona’s recruitment plans, forcing the club to look elsewhere to reinforce their left-wing options. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, another club reportedly interested in Williams, also saw their hopes dashed as the player chose loyalty over lucrative offers.

Williams’ decision to stay at Athletic Bilbao aligns with the club’s unique philosophy of fielding only Basque players, a tradition that has fostered immense local pride and identity. His commitment is being hailed as a historic moment for the club, with Athletic officials stating that Williams’ loyalty represents a milestone in their history and a shining example for future generations. The club expressed satisfaction that despite lucrative offers from major European teams, Williams entrusted his future to Athletic, a victory that underscores the club’s sporting and cultural ethos.

Reflecting on his decision, Williams said, "It was time to make a decision. The most important thing for me was my heart. I wanted to play where I wanted to be and be at home with my people. Aupa, Athletic!" His words encapsulate the emotional and personal nature of his choice, emphasizing the significance of belonging and community over the allure of bigger clubs.

Williams’ career trajectory has been closely intertwined with Athletic Bilbao. Since making his professional debut in the 2020-21 season, he has steadily emerged as a pivotal player, registering 9 goals and 4 assists in 43 matches during the 2022-23 season and improving to 8 goals and 16 assists in 37 matches the following year. In the most recent season, he maintained his high standards with 11 goals and 7 assists across 45 appearances, showcasing his consistency and development as a top-class winger.

The 10-year contract extension is extraordinary in the modern football landscape, where deals rarely exceed five years. This long-term commitment places Williams among a select few players who have signed such lengthy contracts, comparable only to the likes of Erling Haaland's 9.5-year deal signed earlier this year. It signals not only the club’s faith in his abilities but also Williams’ desire to build a legacy at Athletic Bilbao.

The saga has also sparked some light-hearted mockery from rival fans. Kiko Matamoros, a well-known Real Madrid supporter, took to social media to poke fun at Barcelona’s failed pursuit, posting a selfie wearing an Athletic Club jersey with "Kiko Williams" on the back and captioning it, "My friend Diego sent me this wonderful gift from Bilbao. Aupa Athletic Club!" His playful jab highlights the bitter rivalry and the drama surrounding the transfer window.

For Barcelona, the collapse of the Williams transfer is a significant setback as they look to bolster their attacking options. The club’s financial difficulties and La Liga’s salary cap constraints continue to hamper their transfer strategy, forcing them to explore alternative targets. Similarly, Bayern Munich, who had also expressed interest, must now pivot their recruitment plans.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao fans can celebrate the retention of a player who has become emblematic of their club’s identity and ambitions. Williams’ presence alongside his brother Iñaki ensures a formidable partnership on the wings and a bright future for the club. His loyalty and performances are a testament to the enduring power of local pride in football.

As the transfer window progresses, the football world watches closely to see how this remarkable contract will shape Williams’ career and Athletic Bilbao’s fortunes. For now, the Basque club can rest assured that one of their brightest stars will continue to shine in their colors for the foreseeable future.