Despite the intense speculation about his future and the public pursuit by Barcelona, Nico Williams, decided to extend his stay at Athletic Bilbao for another season.

His choice is heavily influenced by the advice of his close circle, who believe it is the most prudent decision. Additionally, the prospect of competing in the Europa League, with the final scheduled to be held at San Mames next May, is a pull factor for him.

He also highly values the coaching of Ernesto Valverde, whom he believes helps him reach his full potential.

Joan Laporta’s constant rumors and leaks surrounding the potential transfer, as well as the uncertainty about Barcelona’s ability to swiftly register him, played a significant role in his decision-making process.

The Williams camp was cautious about encountering a situation similar to Dani Olmo’s, where the transfer was completed but the player faced registration issues. Furthermore, they were wary of the inaccuracies in some of the leaked information.

It’s worth noting that throughout all the speculation, Williams’ teammates at Athletic Club have consistently come to his defense publicly and have made efforts to shield him from unwarranted media scrutiny.