Nico Williams has made a definitive decision about his future and has surprised everyone in the Catalan capital. The international winger has renewed his contract with Athletic Club until 2035.
For weeks, Nico Williams's name was on everyone's lips at Can Barça. His €60 million ($60 million) release clause, his age, and his style fit perfectly into Hansi Flick's new project. However, neither the player's desire nor Deco's efforts were enough to close the deal.
Athletic offers him a world-class contract
Nico Williams's renewal includes a salary increase that places him among the highest-paid in LaLiga. According to sources close to the Bilbao club, the new contract includes an annual salary exceeding €12 million ($12 million) net. This is a figure that FC Barcelona, due to its economic situation, couldn't even come close to matching.
The agreement also includes performance, loyalty, and team objective bonuses with Athletic. This is a firm gesture from the red-and-white board to make him its flagship player. Nico has replied with gratitude and has decided to tie himself to the club that saw him grow up.
His brother Iñaki, another pillar of the locker room, was present at the contract signing. The family environment has also influenced his decision, valuing the stability that staying in Bilbao offers him.
Barça's lack of guarantees, key in his decision
One of the reasons that tipped the balance was the lack of sporting guarantees at Barça. Although the blaugrana club had shown constant interest, Nico wanted certainty about his role in the team. In this regard, neither Deco nor Flick could promise him a starting spot or immediate continuity in the line-up.
With players like Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal competing for the winger positions, the outlook was complex. Nico knew that his arrival would create competition, but he feared not having enough minutes to keep growing. His priority was to keep progressing and not take steps backward.
In addition, Barça still hadn't fully solved the pending registrations for new signings. This circumstance raised doubts about the real viability of his arrival this summer.
A chapter that seemed written for Camp Nou closes
At Barça, there was great excitement about the possible arrival of Nico Williams. From the coaching staff to the fans, he was seen as a long-term strategic signing. His youth, ability to unbalance on the wing, and associative profile fit perfectly with the Barça DNA.
However, with his renewal, any future possibility is now very distant. The new contract not only extends his stay but also significantly toughens his exit. Athletic has raised the release clause to €100 million ($100 million), firmly securing its gem.
In the offices at Camp Nou, the news has come as a cold shower. The Catalan club is already working on other options to strengthen the attack this summer.
Athletic secures its star for a decade
With this renewal, Athletic achieves an objective it had been pursu