Barcelona’s hopes of signing Nico Williams have ended after the Spanish international signed a new eight-year contract with Athletic Bilbao, keeping him at the club until June 2035.
Athletic confirmed the extension today with a short video showing Williams spray-painting “2035” on a mural in Barakaldo, saying: “I’m where I want to be. This is my home.”
Lo que más pesa es el corazón ❤️#AthleticWIN #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/do1QvtqYbP
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) July 4, 2025
The deal lifts the 22-year-old’s buyout clause – previously reported to be around $73 million – to a figure believed to be near €100 million. That price is well beyond Barça’s spending room under La Liga’s salary cap.
Williams, who has made 206 appearances for Athletic with 42 goals scored and 34 assists across all competitions, was seen as a long-term partner to Lamine Yamal in the front-three attack of the Catalans.
For Spain, the wingers partnered in 12 matches, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. Williams also scored in the Euro final, helping Spain secure the title against England.
With this renewal now confirmed, Barça is expected to seek cheaper or more flexible solutions for coach Hansi Flick, who wants another winger so he can move Raphinha into a central playmaker role. .
Barcelona are reportedly exploring wing reinforcements, with Luis Díaz high on their list after opening talks in May, though Liverpool rejected their initial bid and set the price for the Colombian at around €80 million.
Marcus Rashford has also emerged as a potential target, with Barcelona monitoring his situation at Manchester United as they assess all options to complete their attacking line.
Hansi Flick has another option and could stick with last season’s lineup by relying on Raphinha and Lewandowski, but that carries risk as Lewandowski will turn 37 next season, and a performance dip is possible.
Promoting a player from La Masia is another option, though neither player offers the direct speed or defensive work rate that Nico Williams brings.
