If you're a die-hard fan of the transfer market, you know it can throw up some incredible twists and turns. And we've just experienced a major one. Having become a highly sought-after player since his Euro 2024 triumph with Spain, 22-year-old Nico Williams was highly regarded by Bayern Munich, but especially by FC Barcelona . Not many people saw him staying in the Basque Country after the 2024/2025 season, as a €58 million release clause made the Spanish international a prime target, accessible at a reasonable price.
FC Barcelona even seemed to have a clear path in this matter. Nico Williams did not want to leave for Bavaria and dreamed of joining his friend Lamine Yamal in Catalonia. The only difficulty in this matter was the doubts about the Blaugranas' ability to finance the operation. Doubts that were confirmed. "Barça cannot register Nico Williams today ," LaLiga president Javier Tebas had recently declared. In recent hours, the Spanish press even announced that the transfer had stalled.
The release clause increases by 50%
For its part, Athletic Club has been struggling to keep its star despite the existence of the release clause, even going so far as to ask to search Barça's accounts to demonstrate the Culés' inability to finance the deal. This morning, the Basques got what they wanted: Nico Williams is staying, but with a major surprise. The player has extended his contract for ten years! "Athletic Club and Nico Williams have reached an agreement to extend the contract, which was due to expire in 2027, for eight seasons, until June 30, 2035. His termination clause increases by more than 50% compared to the previous one."
Lo que más pesa es el corazón ❤️#AthleticWIN #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/do1QvtqYbP
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) July 4, 2025
It will therefore be necessary to pay a sum now between €80 and €90 million to activate this release clause. Filmed in a video, the main interested party declared: "When it comes to making decisions, for me, what matters most is the heart. I am here, I want to be, with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athleti ." An incredible turnaround, the consequences of which will have to be watched for Barça.
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