Nico Williams Commits to Athletic Bilbao with 10-Year Deal, Snubs Barcelona and Bayern

Spain winger Nico Williams has signed a new 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao, ending months of speculation linking him with moves to Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old’s previous deal was set to expire in 2027, but the new agreement will keep him at the Basque club until June 30, 2035. Athletic Bilbao also announced that his release clause—previously believed to be €62 million (£53 million)—has been increased by 50%.

“When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart,” Williams said. “I’m where I want to be, with my people. This is my home.”

Williams, who rose through Bilbao’s youth system alongside his older brother Iñaki Williams, made his senior debut in April 2021 at the age of 18. Since then, he has scored 31 goals in 167 appearances and was instrumental in helping Athletic finish fourth in La Liga last season, securing Champions League qualification for the 2025-26 campaign.

Internationally, Williams starred for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring in the final as La Roja defeated England 2-1 to claim the title.

His long-term commitment to Bilbao comes just days after reports emerged that Barcelona had agreed personal terms with the forward. The rumour sparked outrage among some Athletic fans, leading them to remove his image from a mural that also features his brother.

Athletic Bilbao further revealed that they recently met with La Liga officials to inquire about Barcelona’s financial capacity to make signings. This followed public statements by Barça sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta, both of whom confirmed the club’s interest in signing a player from Athletic’s squad.

La Liga’s strict “1:1 rule” restricts clubs like Barcelona from registering new players unless their spending matches their revenue. With this rule currently limiting Barça’s transfer flexibility, Williams’ renewal signals a firm stance from Bilbao in protecting their top talents from poaching.

By choosing to stay, Nico Williams not only shows loyalty to his club but also sets a powerful example of homegrown pride in the face of big-money suitors.