Nico Williams surprises the transfer window: coveted by Barça and Bayern, the Basque winger finally extended to the Athletic Club until 2035. Back on an unexpected turnaround.
Photo credit: DEPOSITPHOTOS / @ vitaliivitleo
The summer saga around Nico Williams ended suddenly: announced very close to Barça, also coveted by Bayern Munich, the Basque winger chose to extend his contract with the Athletic Club until 2035, in an unexpected reversal.
Barça and the Blaugrana cloakroom taken on the wrong foot
FC Barcelona thought it had its left winger. In recent weeks, Nico had entrusted his selection teammates (Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Olmo, Cubars (Cubars) that he would wear the Blaugrana colors. Deco and Laporta had activated the release clause set at 58 million euros, and personal discussions were advanced. But everything changed between July 1 and 3. Athletic has proposed a historic contract: 10 years, a salary revaluation and a new liberating clause increased by more than 50 %. In the night of July 3, Nico Williams confirmed his decision in a symbolic video where he writes “2035” in red on the wall of Lutxana. At Barça, the disappointment is palpable, especially in Lamine Yamal, who had defended it publicly.
Hoeness and Flick also surprised by this choice
Bayern Munich, very active in this file, has not hidden its stupor. Uli Hoeness, honorary president of the Bavarian club, revealed that Hansi Flick (current Barça coach) also believed the almost completed deal. Bayern proposed a significant salary to attract the Spanish winger. Finally, Nico Williams remains faithful to his training club, where he plays alongside his brother Iñaki Williams. Since his beginnings in 2021, he has played 167 games, scored 31 goals and won the COPA Del Rey 2024, ending 40 years without a major title for Bilbao. The 22 -year -old winger, now a House in the Spanish selection, will play the Champions League next season with Athletic. In a simple but clear declaration, he summed up his choice: “When it is necessary to make decisions, for me, what matters most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my family. It's my home. Go athletic “
