Nico Williams has officially ended the swirling transfer rumours surrounding his future by signing a new long-term contract with Athletic Club, which will keep him at the Basque side until 2035.
The highly rated 22-year-old winger had been heavily linked with big-name moves to Barcelona and Bayern Munich in recent weeks, with speculation intensifying during the summer transfer window.
However, his decision to stay in Bilbao demonstrates his loyalty to the club and the values that have shaped his career.
Family First: The Williams Bond
The contract renewal ceremony was an emotional occasion, held in the presence of his mother and his older brother, Inaki Williams. The family setting underscored what Nico later revealed: that family ties, particularly the bond with his brother, played a decisive role in his choice to stay.
“My brother and I always dreamed of wearing the Athletic shirt together,” Nico said during the event.
“Inaki has always been my role model, not just because he’s my brother, but because of the way he leads, his work ethic, and how much he loves this club. He’s the perfect captain in my eyes, and I’m genuinely proud and excited to continue playing alongside him for many more years.”
A Major Win for Athletic Club
This extension is a significant win for Athletic Club, which has managed to keep hold of one of Spain’s most electrifying young talents despite interest from Europe’s top-tier clubs.
Nico has been instrumental in Athletic’s attacking system, forming a dynamic partnership with Inaki on the wings. Nico’s explosive pace, flair on the ball, and ever-improving decision-making have made him a formidable opponent for defenders and a crucial contributor to the team’s recent successes.
The Power of Brotherhood on the Pitch
The Williams brothers’ chemistry on the pitch has grown into one of the club’s most significant assets. Their intuitive understanding and ability to read each other’s movements have added a unique dimension to Athletic’s offensive play.
However, beyond tactics and goals, their story has assumed a more profound cultural significance. In an era where football is often dominated by big-money transfers and fleeting allegiances, Nico and Inaki’s continued presence at their boyhood club stands as a rare example of loyalty and family-first values.
Athletic’s Ambition for the Future
Athletic’s decision to lock Nico into a deal running until 2035 also signals their ambitions for the future. It shows a commitment to building a competitive team around homegrown talent while maintaining the identity and spirit that have always defined the club.
The Williams brothers will now remain central to that vision, both as elite athletes and as role models for future generations of players coming through the ranks in Bilbao.
A Symbol of Loyalty in Modern Football
As fans celebrated the news across social media and beyond, it became clear that Nico’s renewal is more than just a contract extension; it’s a reaffirmation of belief in Athletic’s philosophy, a celebration of family bonds, and a hopeful signal for what’s to come in the years ahead.
