Atletico Madrid officially secures the signature of Nico Williams, who chose them over Barcelona.
In a surprising turn of events, Spanish midfielder Nico Williams has decided to stay with Athletic Club of Bilbao, signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2035. This extension effectively put an end to Barcelona's attempts to secure his transfer, which had been in advanced stages of negotiation.
Last season, Williams made a significant impact on Athletic Club's performance in La Liga, contributing 10 goals (5 goals and 5 assists) in the 29 matches he played. His impressive performance earned him a new deal, extending his tenure with the club for an additional eight years.
Barcelona had shown interest in Williams, with reports suggesting that they had reached the final stage of negotiations with the midfielder. However, the transfer did not materialize due to several reasons.
Firstly, Williams chose to renew his commitment to Athletic Club, signing a 10-year contract that significantly increased his release clause, making any potential exit more difficult. Secondly, Barcelona expressed frustration with Williams' agent, who they claim prioritized Athletic Club's interests over theirs. Lastly, Barcelona faced challenges in registering Williams for the upcoming season, leading to growing uncertainty about the deal's completion.
Despite personal terms between Williams and Barcelona being agreed upon for a six-year contract with a salary around €7-8 million, these complications ultimately led to the transfer's failure.
Williams' decision to stay with Athletic Club is a testament to his value to the team. His consistent performances last season, which saw him play every match from start to finish, have been instrumental in Athletic Club's overall performance.
As a Spanish national team midfielder, Williams remains a key player for Athletic Club of Bilbao, continuing to contribute to the club's success in the upcoming seasons.
Bookmakers across European-leagues, including LaLiga, may have to reconsider their odds for Athletic Club of Bilbao, given Nico Williams' decision to stay with the club until 2035. Barcelona's pursuit of the midfielder, once seemingly imminent due to advanced negotiations, will no longer impact football in Spain's top division, as Williams remains a valuable asset for Athletic Club.
