The much-anticipated transfer saga involving Nico Williams and FC Barcelona has finally reached its conclusion—and not the one many Blaugrana fans were hoping for. On Friday, July 4, 2025, Athletic Club announced that Nico Williams has signed a new contract until 2035, ending all speculation about a move to Barcelona. Here’s everything you need to know about why Nico Williams is not coming to Barcelona, including the key dates, the club’s official statements, and the decisive reasons behind his choice.
The Timeline: Date and Time of the Decision
- Announcement Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
- Contract Details: Nico Williams extended his contract with Athletic Club until June 30, 2035, with a release clause increased by more than 50%, now reportedly over €100 million.
Why Nico Williams Is Not Coming to Barcelona
1. Athletic Club’s Massive Offer
Athletic Club made a bold move to keep their star winger by offering a 10-year contract extension with a substantial salary increase, reportedly making Williams one of the highest-paid players in LaLiga (over €12 million net per year). This financial package was far beyond what Barcelona could afford due to their ongoing economic struggles.
2. Barcelona’s Financial Limitations
Despite Barcelona’s strong interest and even agreeing to personal terms with Williams, the club’s financial situation proved to be the main obstacle. Barcelona could not meet the transfer fee or the new release clause, nor could they guarantee registration due to LaLiga’s strict financial regulations.
3. Sporting Guarantees and Playing Time
Williams wanted assurances about his role at Barcelona. With fierce competition for winger spots (including Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal), he was concerned about not getting enough playing time to continue his development.
4. Personal and Emotional Reasons
In his own words, Nico Williams emphasized the importance of “the heart” in his decision. He stated, “I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home.” The chance to play alongside his brother Iñaki and remain in Bilbao, where he feels valued and settled, was decisive.
5. Athletic’s Symbolic Victory
For Athletic Club, keeping Nico Williams is more than a sporting success—it’s a statement of intent and a source of immense pride for the Basque community. The club celebrated the extension as a “true Athletic Club win,” sending a message that their stars can dream big without leaving home.
The Aftermath for Barcelona
Barcelona, having missed out on one of their top transfer targets, must now look elsewhere to reinforce their attack. Other options, such as Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, are reportedly on the radar, but the blow of missing out on Nico Williams—especially after weeks of rumors and apparent progress—will sting for some time.
In summary:
Nico Williams is not coming to Barcelona. On July 4, 2025, he signed a contract extension with Athletic Club until 2035, citing both financial and personal reasons. The saga is over, and Williams will continue to shine in Bilbao, leaving Barcelona to regroup and rethink their transfer strategy.