Spain winger Nico Williams has signed a new long-term contract extension with Athletic Club, ending any speculations of a possible summer move to Barcelona.
Williams, whose initial contract with the Basque club was due to expire in 2027, has signed a new eight-year deal until 2035.
The 22-year-old has been high on Barcelona’s list of acquisitions since last summer but this new deal ties him to his boyhood club for a decade, including a 50% increase on his previous release clause.
“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!” Williams said in a video announcing his extension.
He debuted for Athletic Club in April 2021, scoring 31 goals and providing 30 assists in 167 appearances across all competitions, including 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games last season.
Williams provided an assist in their Copa del Rey final triumph in 2023-24, with the Athletic Club claiming their first major trophy in 40 years.
The forward, who is of Ghanaian heritage, made his international debut for Spain in September 2022. He has since made 28 appearances for La Roja, scoring six goals and providing seven assists, including netting in the final of their Euro 2024 triumph over England.
Athletic Club finished fourth in La Liga last term and got to the Europa League semi-final. They will compete in the Champions League this season and will open their 2025-26 La Liga campaign at home to Sevilla.
