By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Sports DailySports Daily
Notification Show More
  • Home
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
    • WNBA
  • Tennis
  • Racing
  • Golf
  • Racing
Reading: Williams Dodges Barcelona and Secures Fresh Athletic Contract
Share
Sports DailySports Daily
Search
  • Home
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
    • WNBA
  • Tennis
  • Racing
  • Golf
  • Racing
Follow US
Sports Daily > Football > Williams Dodges Barcelona and Secures Fresh Athletic Contract
Williams avoids Barca and signs a new athletic deal
Football

Williams Dodges Barcelona and Secures Fresh Athletic Contract

July 4, 2025 4 Min Read
Share
SHARE

Nico Williams has extended his contract with Athletic Club until 2035, signaling that Barcelona’s hopes of signing him this summer have dimmed.

Barça’s sports director, Deco, noted that Williams expressed a strong “desire” to join the Spanish champions, while President Joan Laporta mentioned his readiness to pay the winger’s €58 million ($68.3 million) release clause.

However, in a surprising turn of events on Friday, Athletic Club announced that Williams would be signing a new deal that considerably increases his release clause—”more than 50% greater than before.”

The 22-year-old Spanish international has caught Barcelona’s interest for a while, with attempts to sign him dating back to last summer.

Nico Williams has committed to the Athletic Club for the next decade of his career. Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Barcelona aimed to finalize their recruitment at the end of the year, indicating dissatisfaction with Athletic’s finances after last week’s complaints about their pursuit of La Liga contracts.

This contract extension has reportedly led to discontent among some Athletic fans, who have vandalized murals featuring Williams on two occasions recently.

Ultimately, Williams has chosen to remain with the club where he began his journey at age 11, alongside his brother, Ghanaian international Inaki Williams, and is now set to participate in the Champions League next season.

“For me, the most important factor in decision-making is the emotional aspect,” Williams shared as he spray-painted “2035” over a damaged mural.

“I want to stay with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!”

Since joining Athletic’s first team in 2021, Williams has made 167 appearances, scoring 31 goals, and played a crucial role in the team that won the Copa del Rey in 2024, ending a 40-year wait for a major trophy.

See also  Crystal Palace vs Wolf Betting Builder Tips - 5/1 Premier League Special, Analysis, Prediction

Editor’s Pick

2 Related

Williams has also emerged as a vital player for the Spanish national team under Luis de La Fuente, earning 28 caps and netting six goals.

He has built strong ties with various Barça players, including Lamin Yamal, Alejandro Valde, and Pedri, and revealed that last summer, both Yamal and Valde faced pressure to join Barcelona.

With the news of Williams’ new contract, Barcelona will likely need to explore other options, especially after Deco indicated the winger was a summer priority for the club to relieve some pressure off Yamal and Rafinha.

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has been targeted as an alternative, but the Premier League champions have rejected approaches from both Barcelona and Bayern Munich for the Colombian.

Additionally, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is seen as another potential target, with Rashford recently expressing a desire to eventually play alongside Yamal.

Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it emphasizes the emotional connections players have to their clubs, which can influence their decisions beyond mere financial considerations. Williams’ choice to remain at Athletic Club not only strengthens the team’s future but also highlights the ongoing rivalry and strategic maneuvers among top clubs like Barcelona, shaping the dynamics of European soccer.

You Might Also Like

Jorge Mendes offers Aston Villa Heroes to Mancity and Barcelona

Liverpool submits bids to sign £64 million

Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool’s “absolutely great” star move is “very difficult”

“Expected…” – Everything shows the Liverpool star being ejected, says Alfredo Pedra

Leeds asks about signing the Bournemouth Star

TAGGED:AthleticBarcelonaContractDodgesFootballFreshNewsSecuressoccerWilliams
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular News

Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham against Brighton
Football

27-year-old West Ham relocation decision pending in Saudi Arabia’s interest

Rookie Denzel Clark Nearly Tears Down Outfield Wall with Stolen Home Runs in Thrilling Matchups
PSG Secures First Champions League Title: Fresh Strategies Bear Fruit!
Edfiori, who won the PGA Tour four times, died at age 72.
Paul Pierce Fires Back at LeBron, Declares Himself “The Best Pure Performer Ever”
PGA Tour and LIV Golf Latest: McIlroy’s Back and DeChambeau are everywhere

About US

Your trusted source for up-to-the-minute sports news, in-depth analysis, and expert coverage across the globe’s most exciting sports.

Facebook Twitter Youtube

Categories

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Racing
  • Tennis

Legal Pages

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Subscribe US

Arsenal will submit bids for “incredible” stars like Rodrigo & Yamal
Report: Liverpool Plot Player Plus Cash moves for 31-g/star after two setbacks
Arsenal witnesses a “big” summer, bringing “world-class” Chelsea targets to the agenda
© 2025 All Rights reserved | Powered by Sports Daily
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?