Nico Williams – Transfer News, Brother, Contract and Injury Updates

Nico Williams has committed his long-term future to Athletic Club by signing a remarkable 10-year contract that runs until June 2035, a move that also definitively ended Barcelona’s hopes of signing the 23-year-old winger. Despite persistent links with top European sides, the Spain international and Euro 2024 winner remains in Bilbao, but his situation is far from settled. A massive release clause, a frustrated player, and growing interest from Liverpool and others keep the transfer narrative alive.

Williams, born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents, rose through Athletic’s famed Lezama academy and has become one of La Liga’s most dangerous wingers. His pace, dribbling, and direct style earned him a starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and a Copa del Rey victory with Athletic in the same year. With a reported market value of €40 million and a release clause of €95 million, he represents both a club icon and a potential blockbuster transfer.

This article answers the most searched questions about Nico Williams: which clubs want him, how his brother shapes his loyalty, what his contract really says, and where fans can find his jerseys and stats. Every fact is drawn from verified sources and recent reporting.

Which clubs are interested in signing Nico Williams?

• Nico Williams is a key player for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team, known for his pace, dribbling, and direct style.
• His release clause and contract situation have attracted major European clubs, especially Barcelona and Liverpool.
• The close bond with brother Iñaki Williams strengthens his ties to Athletic Bilbao, often cited as a reason for staying.
• Injury history remains a minor concern, but his consistency has kept his market value high.
• Fans can purchase authentic jerseys through official club stores and major retailers; his current squad number is #10.

Barcelona’s position: ruled out

Barcelona has officially ruled out signing Williams after he reversed a previous agreement to join them in the summer of 2025. The club viewed this as a betrayal, and despite Williams still personally favouring a move to Camp Nou, president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco will not revisit interest. Yahoo Sports reported that Barcelona considers the matter closed.

Liverpool leads the race

Liverpool has emerged as the primary suitor, currently in pole position to secure a transfer. According to Barca Universal, the Reds are unwilling to meet the full €95m release clause but have offered over €80 million in an attempt to negotiate with Athletic. With Mohamed Salah’s departure creating a vacancy on the wing, Liverpool’s need is clear.

Other interested clubs

Real Madrid has been linked again, while Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly ready to pay the full release clause, as per TeamTalk. Arsenal and Juventus have also shown interest, with Juventus offering a one-season contract worth €6m net plus bonuses.

Who is Nico Williams’ brother and how does his family influence his career?

Nico’s older brother, Iñaki Williams, is also an Athletic Club player and a key figure in the club’s history. Both brothers grew up in Bilbao and came through the Lezama academy. Iñaki, a forward known for his incredible fitness record, is not directly involved in Nico’s transfer negotiations, but the Williams family’s deep roots in the Basque Country make any potential departure an emotionally significant decision, as noted by The Athletic.

The siblings have played together for Athletic and the Ghana national team (Iñaki represents Ghana, while Nico chose Spain). Their bond is often cited as a reason Nico has stayed in Bilbao despite lucrative offers.

What is Nico Williams’ current contract situation and injury status?

10-year deal and massive release clause

In a stunning development, Williams signed a 10-year contract with Athletic Club that runs until 30 June 2035. The new deal increased his release clause by more than 50%, setting it at €95 million (£83 million / $113 million). Sources at Sports Illustrated confirm the extension.

Record wages and European condition

Williams is now the highest-paid player in Athletic’s history, earning approximately €10 million per year after taxes – about €170,000 per week, according to TeamTalk. A key condition of his renewal was an ambitious project guaranteeing European football. If Athletic fails to qualify for Europe next season, the financial strain of his wages may force the club to consider a sale.

Injury and form concerns

Williams is reportedly frustrated with his current situation at Athletic due to injuries and a dip in form during the 2025–26 season. The club has expressed concern over his injury record. In the 2024–25 season, he scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists in 41 appearances, though his performances have been inconsistent recently, as shown in this YouTube analysis.

Where can fans buy Nico Williams jerseys and view his career stats?

Jersey and squad number

Nico Williams wears the #10 jersey for Athletic Bilbao. For the Spanish national team, he has worn #11 and #22 in different tournaments. Authentic jerseys can be purchased through the official Athletic Club online store and major sports retailers like Nike and Fanatics.

Career statistics

According to BBC Sport, Williams has scored 31 goals in 167 matches for Athletic Bilbao, including a standout season with 11 goals. His Transfermarkt profile shows a market value of €40 million and detailed performance data.

Where to check stats

For live updates and match logs, ESPN’s player page provides recent appearances, goals, and assists.

Nico Williams career timeline

1. 2002 – Born in Pamplona, Spain to Ghanaian parents.
2. 2012 – Joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy (Lezama) at age 10.
3. 2020 – Promoted to Athletic Bilbao B team (Segunda División B).
4. 2021 – First-team debut for Athletic Bilbao on 23 April 2021.
5. 2022 – Made senior debut for Spain national team; scored first La Liga goal.
6. 2023 – Became regular starter, attracted interest from Barcelona and Liverpool.
7. 2024 – Won Copa del Rey with Athletic Bilbao; starred for Spain at UEFA Euro 2024, winning the tournament.
8. 2025 – Signed 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club; release clause set at €95 million.

What is known and what remains unclear about Nico Williams?

What is the broader context of Nico Williams’ career and transfer situation?

Nico Williams represents a rare profile in modern football: a top-tier winger with strong family ties to a single club. His loyalty to Athletic Bilbao is often tested by interest from elite European sides, but his connection to brother Iñaki and the club’s Basque-only policy make a move complex. His Euro 2024 performances elevated his status, and his current contract situation keeps the transfer market active. This article provides clarity on the most searched questions about his future, family, and fitness.

The 10-year extension was a statement of intent from Athletic, but the club’s financial model – built on developing Basque talent – makes it vulnerable to big offers. If Athletic miss out on European competition, the €170,000 weekly wage may become unsustainable, echoing the pattern seen with other star players at clubs outside the elite.

What sources provide reliable information on Nico Williams?

“Arriving at Lezama as a 10-year-old, the younger Williams brother has quickly become one of the world’s most renowned players.”

— Official Athletic Bilbao player profile

“Nicholas Williams Arthuer (born 12 July 2002) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger for La Liga club Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team.”

— Wikipedia

“Market value: €40.00m – Left Winger – * 12/07/2002 in Pamplona, Spain.”

— Transfermarkt

What’s next for Nico Williams?

Continued contract negotiations with Athletic Bilbao – a new deal may increase his release clause. Possible transfer window moves in 2025/2026 – Barcelona and Liverpool are the most persistent suitors. Injury prevention remains key; consistent fitness will solidify his position as a top winger. Role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign – expected to be a starter if healthy. For a comparable player with a similar career profile, read the Callum Hudson-Odoi – Biography, Stats, Injury and Personal Life. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta – Arsenal Manager Career and Full Biography has also been linked with Williams.

Frequently asked questions about Nico Williams