Spain and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has put transfer rumours to rest by signing a new 10-year contract with his boyhood club. The 22-year-old, previously linked with moves to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, has committed his future to Bilbao until 30 June 2035.
His previous contract, which ran until 2027, has been replaced by this long-term deal, with the club also raising his release clause by 50 percent from the reported €62 million.
Williams, who emerged from Bilbao’s academy and debuted at 18, has made 167 appearances and scored 31 goals. He was instrumental in Bilbao’s fourth-place La Liga finish last season, securing a spot in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League.
The announcement follows reports that Barcelona had already agreed personal terms with the winger—news that sparked backlash from Athletic fans, who erased Nico from a mural featuring him and his brother Inaki Williams. The controversy was further fuelled by Athletic’s demand for clarity on Barça’s financial ability to register players under La Liga’s strict 1:1 spending rule.
Despite the speculation and outside pressure, Williams made it clear that his decision was deeply personal.
“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,” said Williams.
He also recently helped Spain win Euro 2024, scoring in the 2–1 final victory over England—a performance that cemented his growing reputation on the global stage.