On Friday, Nico Williams made a shock U-turn on his decision to leave Athletic Club by signing a new contract, snubbing Barcelona in the process. He also turned down Bayern Munich, who were also hoping to get a deal done.
Bayern had planned to swoop in and seal a deal for Williams if he decided against joining Barcelona, but it did not work out for them as he chose to remain at Athletic, which whom he is now contracted to 2035.
The ending to the saga took many by surprise, and as confirmed by Uli Hoeneß, honorary president of Bayern, those at the Bundesliga champions were equally as shocked as those at Barcelona. Speaking to BR24, he spoke on the matter.
“When a club extends its own player, it’s nothing unusual. I would have done the same if I was Athletic Club. But we were all surprised that Nico Williams extended his contract. I had close contact with Hansi Flick, who’s currently in Tegernsee on holiday, and they were surprised too because they had more or less an agreement with him.
“I don’t understand what (Nico) wants, but in my opinion Athletic Club are just trying to get more money because next year he will cost more than €60m.”
After the snub, Barcelona have made it clear that they will never again pursue a deal for Williams, having been rebuffed by him in 2024 and 2025. And Hoeneß also confirmed during the interview that Bayern’s stance will be a similar one.
Athletic will not care one bit about Williams’ decision being questioned, as they are the ones that get to enjoy his services for another 10 years. And the chances of a deal being done in the future is further unlikely, given that his release clause is not in the region of €100m.
TheOddOne
0
Nico Williams is a coward!! that's why athletic club supporters called him a FU**N RAT.!!! so Cowardly as a Rat🤣🤣
He didnt want his Murals to be destroyed again
TheOddOne
1
2029 and Barcelona is again being snubbed by Nico Williams for the 5th time
zeabcempuy
1
bilbao is a team to reckon next season. nico smart and with his brother advise and very good manager, they are the team to watch next season
Picbcmptuz
1
Well I hope he doesn’t regret it. Good luck Nico
hhhhh
Picbcmptuz
2
hhh
Picbcmptuz
1
toobo
jadacdint
0
Business tactics Bilbao.
Showex
0
if you know that then leave the boy alone don't disturb him
Why didn’t the boy include in his deal that, he can leave for the same amount Barca use is signing him if they can’t get him registered if he’s not selfish and greedy, is he going to make Barca team great or is he going to surpass Messi record at Barca. He felt Barca is too desperate to sign him that will make them sign useless clause
JSoul77
3
it was a simple decision ffs...barca couldn't guarantee he'd be registered from the start of the season and the kid said f*ck that. simple
Pehdemopru
0
Nico Williams is a coward!! that's why athletic club supporters called him a FU**N RAT.!!! so Cowardly as a Rat🤣🤣
feodmpstyz
3
because he's been threatened that's why he changed his mind
boweklosuy
1
Like this player. Barca just wants players for nothing that they struggle to register. First footballer with sense.
rosaceimrt
3
its weird when real madrid fans make shitty joke about this matter , but what is more matter is even without nico , barca can beat u five time , so be prepare madrid fans , nico will be just a good player , just like his brother , a player that can win copa del rey and only that , nothing else ,
Nenadiopty
0
Leaving for free if the clause is not met? No that’s a big gamble and a bad business
if you know that then leave the boy alone don't disturb him
TKAY543
0
can Barcelona afford Nico Williams? where they even reject the guarantee clause for him to leave if not registered in one month.
Leaving for free if the clause is not met? No that’s a big gamble and a bad business
TKAY543
0
can Barcelona afford Nico Williams? where they even reject the guarantee clause for him to leave if not registered in one month.
Leaving for free if the clause is not met?
Carlitosway
0
exactly 👌🏾
GeremyMbo
1
The player wanted to move on and progress but whites threatened him with violence
Nenadiopty
0
can Barcelona afford Nico Williams? where they even reject the guarantee clause for him to leave if not registered in one month.
josekorty
0
Well I hope he doesn’t regret it. Good luck Nico
pains goes to u
darlynton2012
5
The plan is for him to go to the Premiership next year making more money for himself and Athletic. I don’t see him staying there for more than next season or 2 . We shall all see how things unfold but he has made a terrible mistake.
wenbimnpt
4
I hope Athletic fans will go and repair his mural they destroyed
swillah
5
Barca fans: only mad man will reject Barcelona Nico William👇👇👇
cazbelmopu
1
Nico baierni unda
leoikpruz
0
does anyone understand Harlaand's 10 year contract. if not then don't understand Nico as well
Spesh21
5
Well I hope he doesn’t regret it. Good luck Nico williams
Caoiklprt
0
Nico William Black in face and Black in heart
Cekabcpsy
5
Even me, I didn't understand how Nico Williams' move to Barcelona stumbled🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
Jitbcelos
3
Well I hope he doesn’t regret it. Good luck Nico