Nico Williams rejected Barcelona over key demand as new release clause revealed

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The Football Faithful

·5 July 2025

Nico Williams rejected Barcelona over key demand as new release clause revealed

Nico Williams reportedly chose to stay at Athletic Club de Bilbao after Barcelona refused to insert an exit clause in his contract in case they could not register him.

The Spain winger had verbally agreed personal terms on a six-year contract to join the La Liga champions in a £50 million (€58m) transfer this summer.

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But Athletic Club announced on Friday that Williams had signed an eight-year contract extension which ties him to the club until 2035, shocking Barça.

Nico Williams rejected Barcelona transfer over key demand

The 22-year-old’s camp sought a “guarantee” that Barcelona would be able to register him by the start of next season, according to The Athletic.

The Blaugrana have faced problems registering new signings in the past, most notably Dani Olmo in 2024/25. The midfielder and Pau Victor’s registrations were eventually validated by a court ruling last season. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who moved from Espanyol this summer, is yet to be registered.

These issues sowed seeds of doubt over the viability of Williams‘ move to the Nou Camp, and the player’s representatives sought to include a clause that would allow him to leave for nothing if they could not register him.

Read – Barcelona plot Liverpool transfer following Nico Williams snub

Williams’ camp “insisted” on such a clause and “stressed” that Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Athletic Club were “willing to offer a suitable deal”.

After Barcelona “refused” to include ono in the deal, Williams signed his ten-year contract with Athletic. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that his new release clause has increased to around £86m (€100m) and is active from 2026. He will also earn over €10m in salary.

“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!”, Williams said after signing his new deal.

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