NicoWilliams' representative, FélixTainta, explained in the “LosFulanos” podcast why the winger did not move to FCBarcelona and how his renewal with Athletic Club until 2035 was finalized. According to the agent, the decision was based on the lack of registration guarantees that Barça offered, which made the player choose to remain in Bilbao.
In the summer of 2025, Tainta recalled that Barcelona had shown interest in the footballer, but the club did not guarantee him the possibility of playing. “Athletic was aware of the situation and I constantly informed them, even though the club was angry with Barça for their ways,” he explained. The agent added that, as a professional, Nico could not risk being left without matches. “If the club doesn't give me assurance that it won't affect me, then I have to change my mind,” he said, stressing that the absence of guarantees was enough for the player to decide not to join Barça.
The negotiation process also included Williams' renewal in December 2023, when the player was about to be released. Tainta highlighted that, despite offers from teams such as Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool and PSG, Athletic had managed to keep the player under a three-year contract with the same exit clause. "We could have gone for free with a huge transfer bonus and we didn't. The kid was loyal to Athletic," commented the agent.
The representative also pointed out that, although Athletic does not offer the same opportunity to win the Champions League or the League as other clubs, the player valued stability and continuity at the club. “At Athletic you know the limitations, you know that you are not going to win a Champions League, possibly a League,” said Tainta, recalling that the final decision was made after evaluating all the available offers.
With the renewal until 2035, NicoWilliams consolidates his future at Athletic Club, leaving aside the possibility of a transfer to Barça and maintaining his commitment to the Basque team. The almost lifelong contract assures the player continuity that, according to Tainta, is essential for his professional development. The exit from the negotiation with Barça makes it clear that security and stability were decisive factors for the winger to choose to continue in Bilbao.