Only two days ago, some well-informed transfer pundits announced that Nico Williams’ move to Barcelona is 99% done. Alas, what was maybe a sure thing on Wednesday becomes fake news on Friday.Despite some serious flirting with the Blaugrana, the 22-year-old Spanish international of African origins definitely stays at his boyhood club, Athletic Bilbao.Multiple reports indicate that Williams will commit his future to Athletic Club for the next decade, signing a long-term deal until 2035.The power of the heart ❤️#AthleticWIN #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/1z6nai3TlQ— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) July 4, 2025 “When it comes to making decisions, for me what weighs heaviest is my heart. I’m where I want to be, with my family. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!”Williams has not only signed a new deal with a significant wage rise, but has also increased his release clause. It will be over around €87m, much more than his previous €58m release clause.Williams was being pursued by Barcelona, who were willing to pay but couldn’t guarantee that he would be registered.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Interestingly, the club announced Williams’ contract on social media in front of a mural of him and his brother, Inaki Williams. The mural had been previously defaced by angry Athletic fans, who thought he’d be going to Barcelona, but now it’s time to settle the dispute and start together all over again.##NAJAVA_MECA_9004779##
