Nico Williams snubs Barcelona and signs massive new deal | OneFootball

Nico Williams will not be joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window after signing a very long-term contract extension with Athletic Club de Bilbao.

The Basque outfit announced on Friday that the winger had extended his current terms by eight years, designed to keep him at the club for the next decade.

Importantly, Athletic also say that his release clause has been increased by more than 50 percent, effectively locking Barcelona out of a possible deal this summer.

Williams’ release clause was said to be worth €62 million, but any club looking to sign the 22-year-old will now have to fork over more than €93m.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Williams in their bid to improve the frontline ahead of next season.

Nico Williams snubs Barcelona and signs massive new deal

Reports earlier this week claimed that Barça were planning on triggering the clause on Friday, the same Athletic announced the new deal.

It appeared a foregone conclusion that Williams would make the switch to the Blaugrana after reportedly agreeing terms on a six-year contract with the Catalan club. However, the deal stalled as doubts emerged over their ability to register the player for next season.

LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play rules dictate that Primera División clubs can only spend one euro for every euro they bring in, and must tighten their belts if they spend beyond their means.

Barcelona engaged in multiple legal battles with the league over the registration of Dani Olmo, who joined the club from RB Leipzig for €55m. Spain’s National Sports Council ruled in April that the midfielder and Pau Victor were eligible to play, stating that the two players’ registrations were valid.

Read – Diogo Jota, 1996-2025: A life taken too soon

See Also – Al-Nassr consider Arsenal winger as Luis Diaz alternative

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok