All the signs were that Barcelona were very close to completing the signing of Nico Williams, with the striker forgetting about negotiating with Bayern Munich in order to sign for the reigning LaLiga champions, looking to make a significant leap in his career without leaving Spain. However, the striker ended up making an absolutely astonishing decision this Friday and it has stirred up the transfer market considerably.
In an official announcement, Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that they have reached an agreement to renew Nico Williams' contract, in one of the most surprising moves in recent years. It's also important to say that this renewal doesn't just consist of two or three years, but ten years, guaranteeing his stay until June 2035.
This move comes as even more of a surprise after sporting director Deco said that the striker had expressed "a strong desire to join" the reigning Spanish champions, with president Joan Laporta claiming that the Catalan side were preparing to pay the €58 million termination clause.
According to Athletic Bilbao's announcement, Nico Williams will earn more than 50% of what he was paid before, thus canceling a long-standing desire of Barcelona. Bilbao even went so far as to protest in LaLiga last week alleging a problem with Barcelona's finances, seeking to sabotage the possible transfer. The negotiation was so advanced that Bilbao fans became very angry with the striker, even damaging his car.
Why did Nico Williams turn Barcelona down?
Since joining Athletic Bilbao's first team in 2021, Nico Williams has played 167 games and scored 31 goals, as part of the historic team that won the Copa del Rey in 2024 and ended a 40-year gap. Called up to the Spain squad, he struck up a friendship with youngsters Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde and Pedri, a trio who play for Barcelona. Given all this, it does seem strange that Nico Williams turned down invitations from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.