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OFFICIAL: Nico Williams signs 10-year contract to leave Barcelona stunned
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 4 Jul 2025 11:59 BST
- 7 min read
News
Nico Williams has signed a new 10-year contract with Athletic Club to stun Barcelona and surely bring an end to his transfer saga for this summer.
The Spain international winger had been widely expected to join the Blaugrana and hook up with close friend Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou, but it appears that, for a second summer in a row, talks have broken down.
Nico was not short of options elsewhere, with a €58 million release clause in his deal with the Bilbao outfit earmarking him as an excellent signing. Bayern Munich were thought to be interested in landing the 22-year-old winger, while Arsenal and Chelsea both followed the superstar from the Premier League before cooling their interest.
Current ETV
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
ETV Range
€63.5M - €77.7M
In a social post with the tag: "The power of the heart," Athletic have confirmed that Nico has signed on with his club for the next decade. His contract runs until 2035.
The Basque side has stated via their official website that his release clause has increased by more than 50% compared to his previous deal. It is thought that this stands around €95-100m, putting him out of the reach of the Blaugrana for the moment.
"When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I'm where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!" Nico said in a statement.
His club added: "Nico Williams' step forward in the face of dizzying offers is a resounding success for Athletic Club, a true Athletic Club win."
Barcelona plan quick reaction to transfer blow
A number of Spanish sources indicate that Barcelona had planned for this eventuality, and Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the Blaugrana are already plotting another move to fill the left-wing role.
While Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is linked with a €40m move, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, who has previously said it would be a "dream" to play for Barca, is being targeted.
"Barcelona are planning new approach for Luis Diaz in the next days/weeks after Nico deal off," he said via X.
"Liverpool already closed doors to both Barca and FC Bayern in the recent weeks; it's not an easy one."
Why did Nico Williams' Barcelona transfer break down?
It appears that Barcelona failed to sign Nico Williams largely because they were unable to offer the player guarantees that he would be registered without any problems.
The Catalan side have had issues in this regard in the past and were nearly unable to register Dani Olmo after a big-money move from RB Leipzig last summer.
While Olmo was offered the guarantee of being released from his deal had this not been resolved - something that the player never seemed likely to take up - Spanish reports indicate that Nico was not offered the same assurance and was, therefore, holding back on making the move.
Barcelona were left red-faced by Nico Williams last summer when he rejected their advances, but being spurned a second time by the Basque winger is a truly embarrassing blow to president Joan Laporta and puts into serious question whether they will ever try to make it third time lucky by making another move for one of the most talented players on the planet.
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