Barcelona will look to activate their plan B after Nico Williams snubbed a move to Camp Nou to pen a contract extension with Athletic Bilbao until 2035.
Softfootball understands that the Spanish international is happy to continue with Bilbao beyond this summer after initially confirming his willingness to make a switch to Barcelona.
The 22-year-old wanted to join his friend Lamine Yamal at Barcelona as they both share a perfect bond even beyond the pitch as teammates for the Spanish national team.
Interestingly, Barcelona were ready to pay Nico Williams €58 million release clause set by Bilbao but the Catalans could not make any guarantees on the player’s registration as they struggle with the financial fair play (FFP) rules.
This led to Nico Williams signing his new deal which Bilbao announced via their social media account, showing the player in front of a mural alongside his brother Inaki Williams. The mural was defaced by angry Athletic Bilbao fans when it seemed he was leaving for Barcelona, but the club commissioned an artist to restore it. A restoration that looks great now for Athleticzales.
“When it comes to making decisions, for me what weighs heaviest is my heart. I’m where I want to be, with my family. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!” Nico Williams said after signing his new deal.
Nico Williams new contract at Bilbao carry a new release clause in excess of €100 million.
Earlier, Softfootball reported that Nico Williams rejecting Barcelona has opened the doors for Marcus Rashford to join the Calatan club this summer.
Barcelona are willing to sign the England forward but only on loan as they cannot pay the £40 million requested by Manchester United. Rashford is open to a move to Barcelona and already said in one of his interviews that he would love to play with Lamine Yamal.
