Nico Williams Shocks Barcelona by Rejecting Transfer: 'This Is My Home'

Nico Williams has officially turned down a transfer to Barcelona by signing an unexpected contract renewal with Athletic Club.

Barcelona and Williams had reached an agreement on personal terms, with his €62 million ($72.9 million) release clause including fees creating the possibility of a move to Catalonia. However, doubts about Barça's financial capacity to complete such a transaction and register Williams led to considerable uncertainty about their prospects of finalizing the deal.

In a surprising turn of events, Athletic announced on Friday that Williams would be staying put, securing the Spain international with an eight-year contract extension that has raised his release clause.

"Athletic Club striker Nico Williams has signed a 10-year agreement that will keep him in Bilbao until 30 June 2035," the club statement announced. "Nico's new contract features a release clause increase of more than 50% compared to his previous deal.

"Nico Williams's commitment despite tempting offers represents a tremendous victory for Athletic Club, a genuine Athletic Club triumph."

After completing the signing, Williams commented: "When making important choices, the most crucial thing for me is following my heart. I am exactly where I belong, surrounded by my people, this is truly my home."

This development delivers a major setback to Barcelona, who continue their search for a new attacking player despite not currently being bound by La Liga's 1:1 financial regulations—the ability to spend €1 for each €1 generated.

Liverpool's Luis Díaz had been a primary target, but Barcelona were deterred by his valuation. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is eager to join the La Liga titleholders and was considered as an alternative to Williams should the Athletic player's transfer fall through.