Nico Williams is attracting interest from around Europe as his performances on the left flank continue to light up Euro 2024.
There was significant hype surrounding Spain’s emerging wingers leading up to the European Championship in Germany. Coach Luis de la Fuente noted them as pivotal figures in his team’s attack and they’ve lived up to the billing. Lamine Yamal and Williams have played starring roles in La Roja chalking up four wins out of four.
Against Italy, Williams and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal were constant threats and looking beyond the Euros, this summer could be significant for the future of the Athletic Club prodigy.
The Sporting News takes a look at the details in Williams’ contract, as well as which clubs could be interested in signing him this summer.
MORE: Euro 2024 full schedule of matches and latest results, updated LIVE
Nico Williams transfer news, contract and salary details
Williams recently extended his contract with Athletic for a further three years, however, his release clause could tempt some of Europe’s elite in the transfer window this summer.
Per The Athletic, his salary was significantly increased to “reflect his progress from an academy graduate to a star in the making” and now earns around €200,000 ($ 215,129) per week.
It’s also been widely reported that the clause is set at around €55 million ($ 59m). And that increasingly looks like an absolute bargain.
Nico Williams’ game by numbers vs. Georgia:
100% pass accuracy (46/46)
10 touches in opp. box
8 crosses
4 chances created
4 shots
4 duels won
3 take-ons completed
2 shots on target
1 goal
1 assistHe was outstanding. 💪#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/3k4taIKoIT
— Play Squawka Selector for Free (@Squawka_Live) June 30, 2024
Who will sign Nico Williams?
While Athletic have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the interest, reports have suggested that Williams’ performances at Euro 2024 have prompted clubs to puts some calls in to Bilbao.
“I’ve read reports about my future, but honestly, I’m focused solely on the Euros right now,” Williams said in a recent interview.
“I’m happy in Bilbao, having signed a new contract and performed well last season. I feel at home, but the future remains uncertain.”
Williams’ comments seemingly leave the door open for a potential transfer, with Barcelona reportedly keen on securing his signature. Sporting director of the Catalan club, Deco, is said to be fond of Williams.
Image: A mural of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in Barcelona.
— @tvboy pic.twitter.com/WJykBqUgGR
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 2, 2024
Having Williams and Lamine Yamal on the wings could see Barca’s attack sorted for the foreseeable future and the pair are already getting to know each other well in the Spain camp.
“He’s like a little brother to me. He’s a great kid, and our bond keeps growing stronger,” Williams said.
Despite Barcelona’s financial struggles, the prospect of Williams being a transformative signing at the start of the Hansi Flick’ era remains a talking point.
However, Barcelona won’t be the only club desperate for Williams’ services. Arsenal and Chelsea are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Nico Williams’ brother is Inaki Williams
Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams is the brother of Nico and he signed a nine-year contract with the Spanish club back in 2019.
Williams, aged 25 at the time, signed through 2028 and his deal included a €135 million ($ 145.2m) release clause.
While the contract was one of the longest ever granted to a player, it did not set a record as that still belongs to the 10-year deal Real Betis awarded to Brazil winger Denilson, a world-record signing in 1998.
