Nico Williams: Big transfer blow to Barcelona as key target signs new contract with Athletic Club to 2035, release clause increased

Nico Williams has signed a new deal with Athletic Club that will extend the attacker's stay with his boyhood club until 2035. The announcement comes amid the Spain international having been strongly linked with a transfer to La Liga champions Barcelona. Williams' new contract includes a release clause, that has increased by "more than 50% compared to the previous one".

Nico Williams has signed a new deal with Athletic Club that will extend his stay with the Basque outfit until 2035.

Williams' previous deal was due to expire in 2027, with the Spain international having been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.

Indeed, Barcelona sporting director Deco had recently claimed Williams had shown a strong "desire to join" the Camp Nou giants, while the Catalan club's president Joan Laporta said they were prepared to pay the player's Ôé¼58 million (┬ú50m) release clause.

Athletic announced that Williams' release clause has now increased by "more than 50% compared to the previous one".

Moreover, the club claimed Williams had accepted the new deal, despite having recieved "dizzying" offers from other clubs.

"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. Aupa Athletic!"

The 22-year-old joined Athletic's academy in 2013 and was promoted to the first team in 2021. At Athletic he is captained by elder brother Inaki, with the pair having played a central role in the club's Copa del Rey success in 2024.

Williams also led Athletic to a UEFA Europa League semi-final and UEFA Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, the winger made his Spain debut in 2022, and was a member of the squad that won last summer's European Championship. He netted and was named man of the man in the competition's final against England.

Athletic said in a statement: "The step forward Nico Williams has taken with this renewal fills the entire Athletic Club family with pride and paints a picture of a future as ambitious as it is exciting.

"This latest display of loyalty marks a milestone in the history of the club and confirms a path of trust in the sporting project.

"He will continue to wear the number 10 inherited from Iker Muniain, with the Champions League as his new stage. His step forward in the face of dizzying offers is a resounding success for Athletic Club."