Nico Williams has surprised fans with his choice about his future after an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.
The Athletic Club winger netted twice, including the opening goal in the final against England, as La Roja claimed victory.
Williams has attracted significant interest from top clubs such as Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 22-year-old has become a prime target for these teams, partly due to his relatively modest £49 million release clause. However, it seems the transfer speculation is over, as MARCA reports that Williams has already decided where he will play next season.
Journalist Daniel Sobis reveals that Williams will stay with Athletic and forgo the opportunity to move elsewhere.
If this is accurate, he will continue to play alongside his older brother Inaki for another year. Athletic will also compete in next season’s Europa League after securing the 2024 Copa del Rey with a penalty shootout win over Real Mallorca.
The final was held at their San Mames stadium, and fans are hopeful for a home victory next season.
Williams joined the Basque club’s academy in 2023 and made his first-team debut with his brother in 2020.
He has quickly become one of the most exciting wingers and, if he stays at Athletic, he is likely to receive a significant salary increase.
After their Euro 2024 campaign, Williams has been vacationing in Marbella with fellow young talent Lamine Yamal, who has expressed his wish for Williams to join him at Barcelona. Yamal mentioned in June, “I think we play well together. But this question is more for him.”
“We don’t discuss [a move to Barcelona] much. We just enjoy our time together since we only see each other with the national team.”
