Published on Jul 04, 2025
In a major development that echoes loyalty over lure, Nico Williams has officially committed his future to Athletic Club Bilbao, signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2035. The 22-year-old winger, one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents, has put months of speculation to rest by choosing to remain with his boyhood club.
This announcement comes just days after rumors linking him with a summer move to Barcelona and Bayern Munich intensified following his standout performances at Euro 2024. However, instead of heading for the glamour of the Camp Nou or Allianz Arena, Williams has chosen to continue his rise in Bilbao.
In a symbolic gesture of his commitment, Athletic released a video showing Williams repainting a mural of himself that had been vandalized amid transfer speculation adding the words “WIN 2035” as a message to fans and doubters alike.
“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart. I am where I want to be, with my people. This is my home,” Williams stated.
Athletic Bilbao, known for its strict Basque-only recruitment policy, has retained one of its brightest prospects just when it looked like Europe’s elite were circling. His extension reportedly includes a much higher release clause than his previous €62 million buyout, sending a clear message that Williams isn’t going anywhere easily.
Nico Williams' decision to stay is about more than football. It’s a statement of values: of community, identity, and loyalty. The Basque club’s developmental philosophy has long prided itself on producing and retaining talent, and this renewal underlines that tradition.
This move also reaffirms the emotional bond between the Williams brothers and the club. Iñaki Williams, Nico’s older brother and Athletic mainstay, reacted emotionally to the announcement with the simple message: “Se queda” (“He’s staying”).
Williams’ choice to stay at San Mamés now forces clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich to shift their plans. Barcelona had long targeted him as the ideal wide option for Hansi Flick’s new-look side, especially given their financial restrictions and preference for release-clause deals. With Nico off the market, attention may now turn toward other wingers like Marcus Rashford or Dani Olmo.
For Athletic, the task now is to build a competitive side around their star man. With Champions League football ahead and their identity intact, the club has both stability and ambition to look forward to.
Nico Williams could have chosen the spotlight elsewhere, but instead, he’s chosen legacy, loyalty, and love for his club. In modern football, that’s rare and for Athletic Bilbao, it’s priceless.
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