Official: Barcelona target Nico Williams renews contract with Athletic Club until 2035 | OneFootball

In a stunning development, Nico Williams has signed a new long-term contract with Athletic Club amidst talks of a summer move to FC Barcelona.

The Blaugrana had been working to sign the 22-year-old winger and there were even talks of the club being ready to activate his €62 million release clause soon.

A contract agreement for six years was also in place, but things had stalled as Nico’s camp was seeking guarantees over his registration in La Liga – something the club was unwilling to provide in writing. Even then, there was confidence that the deal would go through.

However, in a major twist, Nico has gone ahead and signed a new ten-year contract with Athletic Club, committing to the Basque outfit until 2035.

In the video shared by Athletic Club confirming the renewal, Nico says: “When it comes to making decisions, the most important thing is to listen to your heart.

“I am in the place where I want to be, with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!“

This comes as a major shift in the situation, considering that it was Nico himself who had initiated talks with Barcelona through his agent after the transfer had fallen through in 2024.

“Athletic Club and Nico Williams have reached an agreement to extend his contract, which was due to expire in 2027, for eight seasons, until June 30, 2035. His release clause increases by more than 50% compared to the previous one,” the club statement added.

It means that Nico’s new release clause now stands in the region of €95-100 million.

“His step forward in the face of dizzying offers is a resounding success for Athletic Club, a true Athletic WIN (Williams, Inaki and Nico).”

The Basque outfit further added the hashtag ‘Athletic WIN’ in their social media announcement post, aiming a dig at Barcelona, having been at loggerheads with the Catalans over the entire Nico situation.