Athletic Bilbao secures Williams' commitment up to 2035 following the fall of Barcelona negotiations
In a significant turn of events, Athletic Bilbao has extended Nico Williams' contract until 2035, marking a decade-long commitment to the Basque club [1][3]. The new deal, which includes a substantial increase in the player's release clause, now stands at €90 million, up from approximately €58 million [1][4].
This contract extension not only strengthens Athletic Bilbao's financial position by securing a higher potential transfer fee but also provides stability for the club's squad. Williams, who has expressed a strong commitment to the club, referring to it as "home," emphasizes the strategic move to protect the club's financial interests by preventing a lower-fee sale and adhering to financial fair play rules [4].
Initially, Barcelona showed interest in activating Williams' release clause, with personal terms reportedly settled and the player expressing eagerness to join the Catalan club [2]. However, the contract extension has effectively blocked Barcelona's move, as the increased fee complicates the club's financial fair play compliance and budget limitations [1][4].
Faced with the challenge of balancing their books, Barcelona has been trying to generate funds by selling players. However, the increased fee for Williams complicates this process, especially given the club's ongoing financial constraints and La Liga's 1:1 spending rule [2][4]. This situation represents a strategic and financial setback for Barcelona, who had other transfer targets such as Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford but balked at their prices [4].
The episode underscores the increasing difficulty top clubs face in acquiring elite talent without destabilizing their financial fair play compliance, emphasizing the importance of player contract management and transfer market timing.
As Athletic Bilbao prepares for the 2025-26 season, their first match is scheduled against Sevilla on August 17. Meanwhile, Barcelona will need to reassess their transfer strategy to address the financial implications of the failed Williams transfer and navigate the complexities of the transfer market.
References: [1] "Athletic Bilbao extend Nico Williams' contract until 2035." Goal.com. (2025, July 1).
The contract extension for Nico Williams with Athletic Bilbao has impacted European leagues, specifically La Liga, as it complicates Barcelona's attempts to sign him due to financial fair play rules and budget limitations.
Furthermore, the increased release clause on Williams' contract may prevent Barcelona from pursuing other transfer targets like Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, who have higher price tags.
