Nico Williams rejected three clubs who were willing to pay his €58 million release clause this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The 22-year-old was one of the most highly sought-after players in world football following his immense Euro 2024 campaign, but he opted to snub significant transfer interest in order to remain at Athletic Club.
Barcelona were desperate to sign Williams, however the Spain international decided against the move, with reports suggesting that Joan Laporta’s public pursuit was off-putting.
In addition, Spanish outlet Marca have now revealed that Williams rejected summer offers from three unnamed clubs – all of whom were ready to trigger his €58m release clause.
Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea were both heavily linked with signing Williams during the summer window, although he was eager to remain with Athletic Club until at least 2025.
His decision to stay was confirmed when he took the vacant No.10 shirt before the start of the new La Liga campaign. Marca’s report states that Williams was set to double his salary if he had accepted a move away from Athletic Club, but the Spaniard rejected the opportunity to move elsewhere.
What has Nico Williams said?
After Athletic Club’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, Williams told the media: “It’s good big teams have you on their agenda, but I’ve always been clear, I want to be here.
“Athletic Club is a different feeling that you don’t get at other clubs. I’m really looking forward to doing big things at this club.
“There were approaches from many clubs. My heart is with Athletic. I have a contract here, but who knows what happens in [the] future. I wanted to stay because playing in Europe with Athletic Club was what I was most excited about.”
Williams has three years left on his current Athletic Club contract, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €49.6m.
