Spain international was close to a summer move to the La Liga champions but the deal fell through
Nico Williams has said he is happy to “continue making history” at Athletic Club after he turned down advances from Barcelona to sign a 10-year contract extension at the Basque club this summer.
The 23-year-old winger’s new contract runs until 2035. Williams had been a top target for Barcelona for two years and the La Liga champions looked almost certain to pay his €60m release clause this summer.
However, Barcelona’s financial problems meant that they were unable to register the player even if they had managed to pay his release clause.
They were willing to do so anyway and then gradually work out a way to secure his registration, but after Williams asked the club to agree to a clause that would allow him to leave this summer if they were unable to register him, the club refused and the deal broke down.
Athletic Club have now raised the player’s release clause to €100m with the new contract, to ensure that Barcelona stay away permanently.
Speaking about his decision to remain at Athletic rather than seek a move elsewhere, with other clubs like Bayern Munich also interested in his services, Williams said: “I think we have a very long season ahead of us. We have very ambitious titles like the Champions League, which everyone would like to play in. What could be better than doing it with the club of my life?
“I would like to continue making history here at San Mamés, with the fans, with my family, and with a lot of enthusiasm.”
Nico Williams’s brother Inaki also remains at the club and has been elected team captain.
Nico Williams said: “We’ve both always dreamed of this moment. My brother is a role model for everyone, especially for me.
“I think he’s the best person to be captain, and I can’t wait to see him wearing the armband for a long time.”
