Article by Aurelian Botezatu – published on Sunday, August 10, 2025, 09:08 / Updated Sunday, August 10, 2025 09:09
Nico Williams has long flirted, with a transfer to Barcelona, before extending with Athletic Bilbao by 2035.
Even though, finally, he signed with long -term Athletic, Nico Williams lost many friends in the locker room. His prolonged flirtation with FC Barcelona turned against him – reveals the Spanish daily El Nacional: “They now challenge Nico's loyalty to the Bilbao project.”
Some colleagues of Nico Williams think they were worth earning at least the same money as him
For many, the extension of the contract was a big surprise, as Williams had already announced his plans to leave the Basque. But it remained – with major financial consequences. Williams became the best paid player of the team, according to the new contract, for 10 years.
The termination clause was also increased, from 58 million euros to 100 million euros. Details that also disturbed in the locker room.
Other key players, such as Dani Vivian (26) and Ohan Santa (25), believe that they are more important for the Ernesto Valverde (61) coach system, and therefore should earn at least as much money.
The teammates are disturbed by the privileges of Nico Williams at Bilbao
He also writes that the other players are disturbed by the privileges of Williams in the club, although the Spanish international was not at the height of expectations last season. Williams was involved in the scoring only 10 goals in 29 matches in Liga. Too little, for some teammates.
Williams missed 10 matches for Bilbao last season because of many minor injuries. And in the locker room is reproached for not taking care of himself outside the field: “He has a very intense night life.”
Controversy in terms of failed transfer to Barcelona
He was very close to Barcelona this summer, but eventually the transfer failed. His entourage claimed that he was afraid that the Blaugrana group would not be able to record it.
In contrast, the President of Barcei, Joan Laporta, said that the priority of Barcelona was, in fact, the loan of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
