Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Athletic Club star, was at the center of transfer rumors linking him to Barcelona in the 2025 summer window. Fans were thrilled at the idea of the speedy winger joining forces with his Euro 2024 teammate Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou. But in a surprising turn of events, Williams signed a new ten-year deal with Athletic Club, leaving Barcelona stunned. So, what went wrong? Let’s dive into the details.
The Hype Around the Transfer
Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams felt like a perfect fit. The young winger, known for his electrifying pace and dribbling, had reportedly agreed on personal terms with the club. Sources claimed Barcelona were ready to pay his €60 million ($62 million) release clause, and Williams himself seemed excited, even telling his Spain teammates he wanted to join. The thought of him teaming up with Yamal had fans buzzing about a dream attack.
The deal looked promising, with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta sounding confident. Athletic Club, however, weren’t happy about losing their homegrown talent, especially to a rival like Barcelona. While the release clause meant they couldn’t block the move outright, Barcelona’s financial situation soon complicated things.
Barcelona’s Financial Struggles: The Core Issue
At the heart of the failed transfer lies Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes. La Liga’s strict 1:1 financial rule requires clubs to balance their spending with their income before registering new players. Despite agreeing on personal terms with Williams, Barcelona couldn’t meet this threshold. Reports indicate a €100 million gap in their finances, making it impossible to register him without breaching regulations. This wasn’t just about paying the €58 million release clause (which later rose to €62 million due to inflation); it was about ensuring Williams could actually play. Without registration, he’d be a signed player unable to step onto the pitch—a deal-breaker for any footballer.
Athletic Club’s Tough Stand
Athletic Club, famous for only playing Basque players, were determined to keep Williams. Their president, Jon Uriarte, had always said the club was strong enough—both financially and on the pitch—to hold onto stars like Williams. When Barcelona’s interest grew, Athletic fought back by filing a complaint with La Liga, questioning whether Barcelona could afford the transfer without breaking financial rules.
This move annoyed Barcelona’s Joan Laporta, who insisted the club was following all regulations. But the tension between the clubs grew, with Athletic accusing Barcelona of negotiating behind their backs. Athletic also demanded the full €60 million release clause upfront, while Barcelona wanted to pay in installments, adding more friction.
Why Williams Stayed
In the end, Williams chose to stay with Athletic Club, signing a new ten-year contract until 2035. His release clause jumped to €90 million, making him a much pricier target for any future suitors. In a heartfelt statement, Williams said, “For me, it’s about following my heart. I’m where I want to be, with my people, at my home.” He celebrated the deal with a video showing him spray-painting “2035” on a mural of himself and his brother Iñaki, a symbol of his deep connection to the club.
