Nico Williams's contract extension with Athletic Club until 2034 has been presented as an act of unwavering loyalty. However, in the offices of the Bilbao club itself, they know that this love story has an expiration date.
Nico has signed, yes, but he has protected the deal with a release clause of €95 million. This is an amount that is perfectly manageable for Europe's top clubs. The Premier League knows it and is already getting ready.
It's no coincidence that the player sealed his continuity right after Athletic secured a spot in the Champions League. Nico wants to enjoy the European showcase, but he is certain that Athletic's run in the top continental competition will be short. This is not a project designed to compete for European titles, and Nico does have that ambition.
Barça missed out because of Tebas
For weeks, there was speculation about his signing for FC Barcelona. Flick wanted him, Laporta was willing to make an effort, and Deco was in favor. But when the blaugrana club tried to close the deal, Javier Tebas and his financial control appeared.
Barça couldn't guarantee his registration, and Nico and his camp decided to take shelter in the contract extension with Athletic.
Still, it wasn't just any signature. They agreed on a manageable clause—€95 million—to make a future exit easier.
Nico did the same thing last summer: he promised eternal love to Athletic... and offered himself to Barça.
This time won't be any different. His main goal is to leave next summer for the Premier League. There are already clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham, or Chelsea closely following him.
A year in the Champions League shop window
Nico Williams wants to rack up minutes, goals, and assists in the Champions League, knowing that every match will be closely watched by English scouts. The Premier League is his dream destination and he has paved the way intelligently.
The ten-year contract is nothing more than a symbolic gesture that guarantees Athletic a good transfer fee. But neither Nico nor his camp plan to fulfill that contract.
While interviews multiply in which he says he wants "to make history at San Mamés," his real plan goes in another direction. He has done it before. He will do it again.