Nico Williams shuns Barcelona, sign new Athletic Club deal

Nico Williams has signed a new contract with Athletic Club until 2035, snubbing Barcelona’s advances to sign him from the Basque side this summer.

Barça sporting director Deco said recently Williams had shown a strong “desire to join” the Spanish champions, with president Joan Laporta saying they were prepared to pay the winger’s €58 million ($68.3m) release clause.

However, in a surprise twist on Friday, Athletic announced an agreement for Williams to pen a new deal, with his clause now “more than 50% more than it was previously.”