Nico Williams Stays Put: Athletic Club Retain Euro 2024 Star
Athletic Club have secured the future of Spanish winger Nico Williams. The highly-rated 22-year-old has opted to remain at San Mamés for the upcoming season, despite intense interest from top European clubs including Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, shortly before Williams returned to training, it was reported that the 22-year-old was leaning towards staying at Athletic, and he may have confirmed this in a message to fans on the club’s social media pages.
“I’m back!” he said. “I am really looking forward to this season.
“Vamos, Athletic!” Barcelona were the main suitors for Williams but appeared to accept defeat in their pursuit earlier this month as they turned their attention to fellow UEFA Euro 2024 star Dani Olmo, for whom a €62m deal has now been agreed.
Despite a move for Williams looking unlikely, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde recently admitted his desire to link up with the winger next season.
“He is a great player and of course I would like to have him as a teammate,” Kounde told the media. “We’ll see what the club does, but of course we’d be happy if it works out.”
