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Key Points

Nico Williams has committed his future to Athletic Club with a massive eight-year extension. The Spanish winger turned down interest from Barcelona despite their advanced negotiations. His new deal significantly increases his release clause, securing his stay in Bilbao. Williams cited emotional ties to the club, calling it his home after rising through their youth system.

Key Points: Nico Williams Signs 8-Year Athletic Club Deal Amid Barcelona Interest

  • Williams rejects Barcelona despite personal terms agreement
  • New deal raises release clause by 50%
  • Brother Inaki also plays for Athletic Club
  • Scored 31 goals in 167 appearances for Bilbao
2 min read

Barcelona target Nico Williams signs eight-year extension with Athletic Club

Spanish star Nico Williams extends contract with Athletic Club until 2035, rejecting Barcelona links after Euro 2024 heroics.

"When it comes to decisions, I listen to my heart. This is my home. – Nico Williams"

Bilbao, July 4

Spanish forward Nico Williams has signed an eight-year contract extension at Athletic Club. With his previous deal set to run out in 2027, he has put pen to paper on a deal keeping him in Bilbao until June 30, 2035.

Williams is one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe, which was on highlight during Spain's 2024 European Championship winning campaign. FC Barcelona and Arsenal were the two clubs linked with the 22-year-old.As per reports, Barcelona were highly interested in Williams and had agreed personal terms with the player, with only the activation of the release clause pending. However, the club confirmed Nico's new agreement has an increase in the release clause of more than 50 per cent over the previous one.

"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," said the red and white winger in the video posted on the club's social media accounts.

Williams joined Athletic Club as a youngster in the 2013/14 season, a year after his brother Inaki arrived at Lezama. Since then, he has completed all the training stages at Athletic until his debut as a Lion on April 28, 2021, when he was 18.

In his five seasons so far in the first team, he has made a total of 167 official appearances and has won a Copa title, as well as qualifying for the Europa League (where the team reached the semi-finals) and the Champions League last season.

Williams' contribution to Athletic in recent seasons has been decisive, making a difference in the Lions' attack thanks to his pace and speed, scoring 31 goals. In 28 games for La Roja, Williams has found the back of the net six times.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Eight years is too long in football! What if his form dips or he gets injured? Athletic Club taking a big gamble here. Should have made it 4-5 years max.
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Arjun K
As an Indian football fan, I'm jealous seeing European clubs secure their young talents like this. ISL clubs let our best players leave too easily 😔 When will we see long-term planning in Indian football?
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Priya S
His brother Inaki also stayed loyal to Athletic Club! Such a heartwarming story of family and football ❤️ Meanwhile in India, brothers fight over IPL teams 😂
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Vikram M
Smart move by Athletic Club. They know Barcelona's financial situation is bad - increased the release clause by 50% to protect their asset. Indian clubs need to be this shrewd in negotiations!
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Kavya N
Watching Nico play in Euro 2024 was amazing! So happy he's staying in Spain. Maybe now he can focus on becoming even better without transfer rumors every week. Indian players should get this stability too!

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