This past summer, Nico Williams of Athletic Club was at the center of transfer rumors, with top clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest.
After an impressive 2023-24 season, where he made 37 appearances and helped Athletic Club win the 2024 Copa del Rey, Williams also played a key role in Spain’s success at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
This season, the forward has scored two goals and provided three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Club.
According to recent reports from SPORT, Athletic Club is keen to extend Williams’ contract as interest from other European clubs continues. Barcelona remains a potential suitor, but only if his release clause stays at €60 million.
Is Barcelona out of the Nico Williams race?
With Williams likely to be in the transfer rumor mill again in 2025, The Athletic’s David Ornstein provided the latest information on the Athletic Club standout.
“Last summer, there was major interest from the Premier League but Nico Williams’ heart was set on joining Barcelona,” Ornstein said. “He waited for them and when that did not materialise, he decided to remain at Athletic Club.
“Now it appears Barcelona — with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal doing well — are not there for him, which increases the chances of a Premier League switch and he is more open to that than previously. There is a release clause of around €55million (£46m) and Athletic will only sell if that gets activated, so the fact his contract ends in 2027 is irrelevant.
“Williams earns a high salary but the clause is fairly low for a player of this level, so it is probable he will move in 2025 — the bigger question is whether it will be in January or at the end of the season.
“He would prefer not to move in the winter market but you never know. Either way, the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are among those who hold a long-standing admiration.”