Nico Williams rejected Arsenal and Liverpool to stay at Athletic Club
Nico Williams rejected Arsenal and Liverpool interest two years ago, his agent Felix Tainta has confirmed, with the Spain winger choosing to remain at Athletic Club despite widespread pursuit from Europe’s biggest sides.
Key takeaways
- Williams, 24, has committed to Athletic through a 10-year extension running until 2035.
- Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Liverpool were all among the clubs interested after Euro 2024.
- Barcelona made the strongest push but could not offer certainty over the player’s La Liga registration.
- Williams scored in Spain’s European Championship final win over England and also won the Copa del Rey with Athletic.
- He has two goals in eight matches this season despite recent minor muscle problems.
Barcelona move broke down over registration concerns
Tainta said virtually every leading European club wanted Williams following his outstanding summer in 2024, when he helped Spain win the European Championship.
“Everyone knows Barcelona were interested after the Euros,” Tainta said on the Los Fulanos podcast. “Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain — the list could go on. Everybody wanted Nico, and it is not simple for a player to turn down all those clubs.”
Barcelona were particularly keen to unite Williams with Spain team-mate Lamine Yamal. Talks did take place, with Athletic kept informed by the player’s camp throughout, although the Bilbao club were unhappy with Barcelona’s approach to the situation.
The proposed transfer ultimately failed because of Barcelona’s financial position and doubts over whether Williams could be registered for La Liga under the club’s wage restrictions.
Tainta made clear that guaranteed playing time was non-negotiable. “At one stage, Nico could not risk being left without playing,” he said. “Nico is a Formula 1 car. If I come to your house, I cannot take on your problem. I told Barcelona that clearly.”
What happens next for Williams and Athletic
Williams instead strengthened his place at San Mames by agreeing a long-term deal through 2035, becoming central to Athletic’s plans after a campaign that brought Copa del Rey silverware.
His decision to stay in the Basque Country did not affect his Spain role. He later played an important part in the country’s World Cup-winning run, adding further weight to his status at club and international level.
Williams has begun the current season with two goals from eight appearances in all competitions. Minor muscular complaints have recently affected him, but Athletic still view the winger as indispensable heading into a demanding spell of fixtures.
