Nico Williams Nets Huge Athletic Club Deal

Nico Williams has put pen to paper on a bumper new agreement that keeps him in Bilbao until June 2035, shattering talk of a quick jump to Spain’s powerhouses.

Nico Williams’ extension dwarfs previous terms

The dynamic winger will now earn a reported €10 million net per season, a figure that elevates the 21-year-old into the top salary bracket at San Mamés. More eye-catching is the revised release clause, thought to be in excess of €95 million—up from the previous €50 million—effectively pricing out opportunistic bids from Europe’s elite.

Barcelona—and others—left empty-handed

Joan Laporta’s admiration was no secret, yet Barcelona’s financial leeway could not match Athletic’s proposal. Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal also monitored the situation but never reached the numbers required to tempt either club or player. Williams’ decision reflects both loyalty to his boyhood side and belief in Ernesto Valverde’s project.

Basque club protecting its brightest gem

Athletic Club’s transfer model relies on home-grown talent, so tying down a player with Williams’ ceiling was paramount. With Iñaki Williams already committed long-term, the brothers can spearhead Los Leones’ ambitions to return to the Champions League and chase long-awaited silverware.

What it means on and off the pitch

Financially, the new contract signals Athletic’s readiness to fend off richer rivals, while on the pitch it guarantees continuity on the flanks. Williams’ pace, pressing, and improving end product—four goals and five assists in La Liga so far—remain integral to Valverde’s high-octane blueprint.

Opinion: Securing Nico Williams sends a powerful message that Athletic can retain marquee talent without sacrificing their identity. In an era of relentless spending, the Basque side’s win feels refreshingly old-school—and very smart.