In the end, the choice was "the heart." Despite intense courting from FC Barcelona, Nico Williams (23) chose to stay with his hometown team, Athletic Bilbao. This is a long-term contract up to 2035, for 10 years.
Athletic Bilbao announced on the 4th (Korean time) through the club's official channel that "Nico Williams has extended his contract until June 30, 2035." The club also released a video of Williams' comments during the contract announcement, in which he expressed unwavering affection, saying, "When I have to make a decision, I think about what is most important to me. I am where I want to be, and I am close to my family. This is my home."
With this re-contract, Williams' buyout clause has increased by more than 50% compared to before. Barcelona was pushing to acquire him by paying his buyout of 58 million euros (about 93.2 billion won), but now the amount itself has changed.
Negotiations seemed to gain momentum when it was revealed that Deco, the Director General of Barcelona, contacted Williams' agent, Felix Tanta, at a hotel in Barcelona on the 13th of last month. Williams had previously rejected Barcelona's transfer offer, but he opened his heart first. With the contract duration and salary conditions agreed upon, the club was making additional arrangements, such as the revenue from VIP seats and the re-contracting of Frenkie de Jong, to meet the '1:1 Fair Play regulation.'
A variable emerged. It was the persuasion from Bilbao. Key players, including older brother Inaki Williams, Simone, Sancet, and Vivian, all chose to stay with the team by signing long-term contracts, and Nico was also swayed. In the end, at the peak of his personal career, having been named the MVP of the Euro 2024 final and ranked 15th for the Ballon d'Or, he chose the value of "hometown."
Nico, born in 2002, joined the Bilbao youth system in the 2013-2014 season following his brother and made his first-team debut in 2021 after progressing through all age groups. Over five seasons, he appeared in 167 matches, scored 31 goals, and contributed to the team's Copa del Rey victory, reaching the Europa League semifinals, and entering the Champions League. He is particularly known for his speed and sharp dribbling as a winger, and he is also active as a starter on the Spain national team alongside Lamine Yamal.
In the official announcement, Athletic Bilbao expressed, "Nico's decision is a historic event in the club's history. The Athletic WIN (Williams, Inaki-Nico) symbol continues," and stated, "This team is not just about winning but is a collective of ambitious lions (lehoiak) that wants to win together with Athletic."
In the end, Barcelona missed out on Nico. And Bilbao preserved the symbol. This choice was instinctive rather than 'rational' and essential rather than strategic. The loyalty shown by Nico Williams made Bilbao's philosophy of being 'the only club in the world' shine even brighter.
[OSEN]