Nico Williams had emerged as a potential target for FC Barcelona for the summer transfer window of 2024.
For one, the 21-year-old had enjoyed an impressive year and a half at Athletic Club and the Spanish national team.
Beyond that, his contract was set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he would have been available for free in the summer, making him an enticing option for the Catalans.
Nico Williams signs new contract
However, Barcelona’s hopes of signing Nico Williams for free in the summer of 2024 have been completely dashed.
Indeed, the Spanish winger has signed a new three-year contract with Athletic Club, with the Basque outfit officially announcing the renewal earlier today.
“Athletic Club and Nico Williams have reached an agreement to extend three seasons, until June 30, 2027, the contract that expired at the end of this season,” the statement from the club read.
“The red and white club has renewed for three years a footballer for whom very powerful clubs in Europe were yearning. However, Nico Williams has opted to continue making history at Athletic Club with his brother Iñaki and the rest of his teammates.”
This pretty much ends Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico, at least for the time being, as the Catalans only considered signing him if he would be available for free.
The Blaugrana remain interested in signing a new winger next summer, with Girona’s Savinho also on the club’s radars, although Manchester City might have some plans for the Brazilian talent.
