Nico Williams Reveals Why He Rejected Barcelona's Advances After Extending His Stay
Lamine Yamal wasn't the sole Spain international winger to secure a contract renewal this week, as his national teammate Nico Williams has also committed to a fresh agreement with Athletic Club.
Williams became the center of one of summer's most closely watched transfer dramas. Many believed his future lay alongside Yamal at Barcelona, but the Catalan giants' financial constraints prevented the move from materializing.
The 23-year-old attacker chose not to wait indefinitely for Barça and rejected potential opportunities elsewhere, instead committing to a decade-long contract with his boyhood club Athletic Club. Williams concluded the transfer speculation and expressed his thoughts on the newly signed agreement with the Basque outfit.
"With tremendous excitement, naturally," Williams revealed following his contract signing. "We face an extensive campaign ahead. We harbor ambitious goals including the Champions League, which every player dreams of experiencing. What could surpass achieving this with the club that means everything to me?"
"My desire is to keep creating memorable moments here at San Mamés, alongside our supporters and my loved ones," Williams continued.
Williams' fresh deal elevates his buyout clause by 50%, now valued at approximately €100 million ($116.3 million), creating an even greater obstacle for Barcelona should they attempt to secure his services again.
Earlier summer reports indicated Williams was eager to finalize his Barcelona transfer, having reportedly reached personal agreement terms with the current La Liga titleholders.
Williams will indeed experience his Champions League bow in 2025–26, though he'll represent Athletic Club's colors alongside elder brother Iñaki in their first European elite competition appearance since 2014–15.
"He represents a rare and outstanding talent, and keeping this caliber of player at Athletic constitutes wonderful news," stated Athletic Club sporting director Mikel González.