In a surprising turn of events, Nico Williams, the dynamic winger for Athletic Club, has reportedly signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Basque club until 2035.
The announcement, made by, has sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly among fans who anticipated a potential move to a European giant like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old Spanish international, known for his electrifying pace and skillful dribbling, has been a standout performer in La Liga, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists in 29 matches during the 2024/2025 season.
His decision to commit to Athletic Club for another decade underscores his deep connection to the club, where he has been since the age of 11.
The red-and-white striped kit with the Kutxabank logo has marked his rapid rise, and he has brought in yet another extension deal with his legacy in Bilbao.
During a time when transfer links to various teams were flying, and when his name was making headlines with a reported €58 million release clause, Williams’ decision to sign a long-term deal appears to reflect a type of loyalty and ambition to build on his relationship with the club and his brother, Iñaki Williams.
Williams appears to be set to remain at the club long-term, which has now become potentially one of the longest deals in the modern game.
The athletic club appears to have developed a formula for evaluating player contracts that incorporates a performance-based variable component and extends contracts without incurring excessive risk.
Some were operating at disbelief, while others attempted to question Williams’ decision, given past inconsistencies with supporters, or celebrated the structure and stability it offers.
As the rest of the footballing population considers this story, fans and supporters can now engage in the story of Nico Williams, most often centered around the question around when it will finish.
Nico Williams has just committed to Athletic Club until 2035, and although the sentence above may conjure some intrigue, Williams’ youth with the dedication to remain steadfastly loyal to his roots would suggest an exciting trajectory for both as he redefines his previous career expectations and the club’s ambitions to return to playing on
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
