Nico Williams has doubled down on his dedication to Athletic Membership, turning down curiosity from Barcelona to proceed his profession in Bilbao.
The Spain worldwide, who performed a key position in La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph, attracted sturdy consideration this summer time from the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Barcelona, particularly, had been reportedly ready to set off his €58million launch clause in an try and convey the winger to Camp Nou, a yr after first registering their curiosity.
Nonetheless, Williams just lately signed a contract extension with Athletic Membership till June 2035, and he’s made it clear that his coronary heart stays within the Basque Nation.
“Now we have a protracted season forward of us and a few bold objectives, like taking part in within the Champions League – one thing each participant desires of,” Nico mentioned.
“What may very well be higher than doing it with the membership of my life? I need to hold making historical past right here at San Mamés, with the followers, with my household, and stuffed with enthusiasm.”
Nico Williams on the choice to signal with Athletic Membership till 2035 🏆 👀 pic.twitter.com/f8P2OItnCc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 16, 2025
Athletic Membership’s director of soccer, Mikel Gonzalez, hailed the choice as a big victory for the membership.
“He’s a singular and distinctive participant, and retaining this expertise at Athletic is unbelievable information,” mentioned Gonzalez.
Williams’ loyalty is particularly significant given his long-standing connection to the membership. He joined Athletic’s youth academy at simply 11 years previous, and now, at 22, is among the most fun younger wingers in European soccer.
Williams will proceed to share the pitch along with his older brother, Inaki Williams, who has been named first-team captain for the upcoming season.
“We’ve each at all times dreamed of this second,” Nico shared.
“My brother is a task mannequin for everybody, particularly for me. I feel he’s one of the best individual to be captain, and I can’t wait to see him carrying the armband for a very long time.”
