Barcelona, PSG Target’s Release Clause Fails to Deter Top European Clubs, Report Says | OneFootball

Throughout the summer, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams was linked to several transfer rumors, attracting interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Following an outstanding 2023-24 campaign, where he made 37 appearances for Athletic Club in all competitions and helped them win the 2024 Copa del Rey, Williams also played a crucial role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph in Germany.

Despite the interest, the UEFA Euro 2024 winner stayed with his Spanish club. Fichajes reports that Williams’ future at Athletic Bilbao is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Although the club extended his contract in December 2023, keeping him until 2027, the €58 million release clause is no longer considered enough to ward off interest from top European clubs.

Since the clause wasn’t significantly raised during the renewal, many top clubs view his signing as a real market opportunity.

“I hope we can play together for as long as possible,” Iñaki said. “He’s already said he’s really happy here at Athletic, and that it’s the best decision he’s made. He has no regrets, and that makes me happy. Sharing the locker room with him every day is the best thing, and I hope it lasts a long time.”