Athletic Bilbao has reacted with surprise to statements by NicoWilliams' agent, FélixTainta, which revealed that the forward was one step away from signing with Barcelona before renewing his contract with the Basque club until 2035. Tainta, in an interview with the “LosFulanos” podcast, admitted that the negotiation with Barça had been very close and that Athletic was aware of the progress, although the club has not issued any official statement.
The context of the controversy dates back to the summer of 2025, when Williams, then 23 years old, extended his relationship with Athletic for eight years. However, during that same summer the player was in negotiations with Barcelona, which generated speculation about a possible transfer. According to Tainta, the footballer had decided to prioritize Barça's interest over other clubs, but the lack of a guarantee of registration from the Barça squad and the risk of not playing in a World Cup year made him change his mind and opt for a renewal with Athletic.
The agent explained that Williams' contract includes a clause of 12 million euros, the same one that had been negotiated in its last renewal in December 2023, when the player was free. “We understood that we couldn't leave free,” Tainta said, stressing that the club had been aware of the possibility of the forward leaving and had kept the conversation open. This revelation has ignited outrage among fans and the club's president, JoséLuisUriarte, is expected to face questions about the matter at the next Assembly of Committers, scheduled for two weeks from now.
Regarding the sporting situation, Nico Williams will not participate in Athletic's next match against Valencia, scheduled for this Saturday, due to an injury. He is expected to return on Wednesday in the duel against Levante, or on Sunday, October 25 in SanMamés against Getafe. Despite the controversy, the player is still the highest paid player on the team and the one with the longest contract on the team.
Athletic, which has maintained a policy of transparency in its negotiations, is preparing to clarify the situation before its partners and the press. It is anticipated that the Assembly will address the issue and the implications of Tainta's revelation will be discussed, as the club continues its campaign with the expectation that Williams will once again contribute on the field and in defending his position as leader of the squad.