Nico Williams explains why he rejected Barcelona and renewed with Athletic Bilbao

Neco Williams has finally revealed why he rejected a move to Barcelona, preferring to sign a new contract with Athletic Bilbao, with the Catalan giants very close to signing the winger this summer.

However, the 23-year-old ultimately decided to stay in Bilbao, committing to a new 10-year contract that will keep him at San Mamés until 2035.

After failing to sign Williams last summer, Barcelona emerged as a strong contender to sign the Spanish winger in the current transfer window, but the 23-year-old ultimately decided to stay with his boyhood club, and the failure to sign Williams is considered a major insult to the Spanish champions.

Williams has now explained why he decided to stay in Bilbao after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Barcelona. He also outlined his goals for Athletic Bilbao in the 2025-26 season.

“I think we have a very long season ahead of us,” Williams told ESPN. “We have very ambitious titles like the Champions League, which everyone wants to participate in. What could be better than achieving it with the club of my life? I want to continue writing history here at San Mamés, with the fans, with my family, and with great enthusiasm.”

Williams added about continuing to play alongside his brother, Iñaki, who was confirmed as the new captain of Athletic Bilbao: “We’ve always dreamed of this moment. My brother is a role model for everyone, especially me. I think he’s the perfect person to be a captain, and I’m looking forward to seeing him wear the armband for a long time.”

Athletic Bilbao, coached by former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, began preparations for the new season last week and is scheduled to play its first friendly match against Spanish lower-division side Ponferradina on July 19.

Source: Goal