Shock Twist: Nico Williams Snubs Barcelona to Sign Long-Term Deal Until 2035

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Spain international Nico Williams has dealt a major blow to Barcelona’s summer transfer plans by rejecting their lucrative offer and signing a new long-term deal with Athletic Club until 2035. 

Williams, 22, had been heavily linked with a blockbuster move to the Catalan giants, with Barça’s sporting director Deco confirming that the winger had expressed a strong “desire to join” the Spanish champions. President Joan Laporta even revealed the club was ready to activate his €58 million ($68.3m) release clause. 

Barcelona’s confidence in securing the signature of the talented winger was so high that Athletic Club reportedly filed a formal complaint to LaLiga over Barça’s financial conduct last week. Tensions reached boiling point in Bilbao, with frustrated fans twice vandalizing a mural of Williams amid speculation that he was destined for Camp Nou. 

But the narrative flipped on its head this Friday when Athletic Club confirmed they had successfully extended Williams’ contract. The new deal reportedly includes a release clause more than 50% higher than the previous one, a staggering increase that may now put the player well out of Barcelona’s financial reach. 

In a powerful and symbolic video posted to Athletic Club’s social media, Williams is seen spray-painting “2035” onto the very mural that was defaced, reclaiming it with pride and emotion. 

“When you have to make decisions, for me, what weighs most is the heart,” said Williams. “I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!” 

Having joined Athletic at the age of 11, Williams has already racked up 167 appearances and scored 31 goals since breaking into the first team in 2021. He played a pivotal role in the club’s historic Copa del Rey triumph in 2024, which ended a 40-year wait for a major trophy. 

On the international stage, he has emerged as a key figure under Luis de la Fuente, earning 28 caps and scoring six goals, including one in Spain’s thrilling Euro 2024 final victory over England. His growing bond with Barcelona stars like Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Pedri had only fueled rumors of an imminent transfer. 

Last summer, Yamal and Balde even tried to convince him to join Barça, while Yamal posted multiple Instagram stories this year hinting at a potential move. Despite the peer pressure and heavy interest, Williams has chosen loyalty over glamour. 

Barcelona must now return to the drawing board in their pursuit of a winger to ease the burden on Yamal and Raphinha. Deco had previously named this position as a top priority.  

Alternatives being considered include Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, although the Premier League champions have already rebuffed offers from both Barça and Bayern Munich. Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is another name in the mix, with the English star hinting at a desire to one day link up with Yamal. 

For now, however, it’s Athletic Club celebrating the biggest win of the summer, keeping their homegrown superstar and Copa del Rey hero for the next decade.