Nobody expected it just a few weeks ago, the transfer market was strongly pointing toward the Premier League, and everything seemed to indicate that the forward's future was far from Bilbao.However, a very important plot twist has reignited Athletic Club de Bilbao's hopes of keeping their flagship player. The Basque team doesn't want to lose their great jewel and is preparing an irresistible offer to ensure his continuity.
Nico Williams is having a breakthrough season, his impact in LaLiga and his prominence in the Spanish National Team have made him one of the most desired footballers in the European market. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United have closely followed his development. They have all sent scouts and gathered comprehensive reports on the player born in Pamplona and trained in Lezama.
But the scenario has changed, Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Club is very close to qualifying for the next edition of the Champions League. This factor could be decisive in retaining Nico Williams. The club's management is already working on a renewal proposal that would include a significant salary increase with a renewal of the release clause in case of leaving the club.
Ibaigane Goes Strong for the Renewal
Ibaigane's plan is clear: secure the winger and make him one of the references of Athletic's new European project. The idea is to put an offer on the table that matches, or at least comes close to, what is being offered from England. The player, emotionally very attached to the club and the city, could be enticed by the possibility of leading the team of his life on the continental stage.
Currently, Nico Williams's release clause is around 50 million euros, a figure more than manageable for several European giants. That's why, in Bilbao, they want to get ahead of the market movements and seal the striker's continuity as soon as possible. In the new offer, the club considers an increase in the clause in case of accessing the Champions League, a measure that would give Athletic more room to maneuver against new offers.
Test for Nico in England
Next Thursday, Nico will once again be under the radar of several Premier League clubs. England will watch his performance closely, as the reports on his talent, speed, and dribbling ability have only grown. His profile fits the big names in British soccer, but Athletic is not willing to give up so easily.
This new scenario puts FC Barcelona on alert, as they had closely followed the evolution of the Spanish international as a possible reinforcement. The priority for the blaugranas was to sign a young, unbalancing winger with experience in LaLiga. However, Athletic's new stance and Barça's economic difficulty in competing in salary terms complicate the operation.
At this moment, Nico Williams is closer than ever to renewing his contract with Athletic Club. The sports project, the possibility of playing in the Champions League, and the club's desire to make him their flag could tip the balance. Summer is approaching, and the market is moving, but a clear message comes from Bilbao: they want to retain their star and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.