### Nico Williams Commits to Athletic Bilbao, Rejects Barcelona's Advances Nico Williams, the talented Spanish winger, has made headlines by signing a remarkable 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club, keeping him at the Basque club until 2035. This decision comes as a surprise to many, especially given the strong interest from Barcelona, who had been pursuing him as a key target for their squad. Williams' choice to remain with Athletic Bilbao not only solidifies his commitment to the club but also ends months of speculation regarding his future, particularly amid ongoing discussions about potential transfers to both Barcelona and Arsenal [https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45666531/nico-williams-shuns-barcelona-signs-new-athletic-club-deal, https://www.bluewin.ch/en/index/nico-williams-surprisingly-opts-for-bilbao-2769542.html]. ### Breakdown of the Transfer Situation 1. **Contract Details**: - Nico Williams has signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao that extends until 2035, featuring an increased release clause [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/nico-williams-pens-new-athletic-bilbao-deal-transfer-twist-3932296.html]. 2. **Interest from Other Clubs**: - Barcelona had shown significant interest in acquiring Williams, with reports suggesting that he had even reached out to facilitate a move [https://www.yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/arsenal_target_gets_a_new_release_clause_after_making_a_ten-year-decision/s1_15968_42415272]. - Arsenal was also monitoring the situation closely, prepared to act if Barcelona's financial constraints hindered the transfer [https://www.metro.co.uk/2025/07/04/arsenal-learn-new-nico-williams-release-clause-barcelona-transfer-falls-23579606/?ico=more_text_links]. 3. **Impact on Transfer Market**: - Williams' decision has been described as a significant setback for both Barcelona and Arsenal, who were keen on securing his services [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-nico-williams-contract-transfer-35500310]. - The news has sent shockwaves through the transfer market, as many had anticipated a move to Barcelona [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/soccer/barcelona-get-a-huge-shock-as-nico-williams-sign-a-new-contract-at-athletic-bilbao]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Duration**: Williams' new deal is set for **10 years**, extending his stay at Athletic Bilbao until **2035** [https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/soccer/spain-winger-nico-williams-agrees-to-stay-at-athletic-bilbao-for-the-coming-decade-10900375]. - **Release Clause**: The new contract includes an **increased release clause**, which is expected to deter future interest from other clubs [https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/nico-williams-drops-huge-transfer-31991699]. - **Market Reaction**: The transfer market has reacted strongly, with many analysts noting the implications of Williams' decision on both Barcelona's and Arsenal's transfer strategies [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/la-liga/articles/the-saga-is-over-nico-williams-rejects-barcelona-and-extends-his-contract-with-athletic-club-2025-07-04]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Nico Williams In summary, **Nico Williams' decision to extend his contract with Athletic Bilbao until 2035 marks a pivotal moment in his career**. This choice not only reinforces his loyalty to the club but also significantly impacts the transfer strategies of both Barcelona and Arsenal. 1. **Commitment to Athletic Bilbao**: Williams has chosen to stay, rejecting lucrative offers from top clubs [https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/07/224582/nico-williams-rejects-barcelona]. 2. **Transfer Speculation Ends**: The signing puts an end to months of speculation regarding his future [https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/arsenal-set-nico-williams-meeting-31992062]. 3. **Future Prospects**: With an increased release clause, Williams' future remains secure at Athletic Bilbao, while other clubs must reassess their strategies [https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/nico-williams-drops-huge-transfer-31991699]. This development not only highlights Williams' potential but also sets the stage for his continued growth within the Spanish football landscape.