NICO WILLIAMS REVEALS REASON FOR BARCELONA REJECTION: SIGNS DECADE-LONG ATHLETIC CLUB EXTENSION
Nico Williams has finally spoken out about his decision to reject a high-profile move to Barcelona, choosing instead to commit his long-term future to Athletic Club with a stunning 10-year contract that runs until 2035.
The 23-year-old winger had been heavily linked with a switch to Camp Nou throughout the summer, with Barcelona pushing hard to secure his signature as part of their next-generation rebuild. But despite intense interest from the Catalan giants, Williams made the surprising choice to stay loyal to his boyhood club in Bilbao.
In his first public comments since signing the deal, Williams explained that his decision was driven by more than just footballing ambition.
“I’ve always said that Athletic is my home,” Williams said. “This club gave me everything — a chance to grow, to represent my family, and to develop in front of fans who’ve supported me since day one. For me, loyalty matters.”
The new contract, which runs for a full decade, is one of the longest in European football and signals a major statement of intent from both player and club. It includes a competitive release clause but reaffirms Williams' desire to lead Athletic into a new era of competitiveness in both La Liga and European football.
Barcelona, who saw Williams as the ideal addition to their left flank, are now forced to pivot to other targets. The rejection is a setback for the Blaugrana, who had hoped to finalize the transfer before pre-season, but it also highlights the challenge of luring top players away from clubs where they are deeply rooted and valued.
For Athletic, keeping Williams is not just a sporting victory—it’s a cultural one. The club, known for its proud Basque identity and commitment to developing homegrown talent, now has a marquee star to build around for the next decade.
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