FC Barcelona expressed outrage on July 4, 2025, labeling Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams a “backstabber” after he declined to inform them of his decision to extend his contract with his current club.
The 22-year-old Spanish international, who starred in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph with 3 goals and 5 assists, had been heavily linked with a £50 million move to Barcelona following a 2024-2025 season where he scored 12 goals. Instead, Williams signed a new deal with Bilbao on July 3, securing a £60 million release clause, leaving Barcelona’s sporting director Deco fuming.
The Catalan club had offered a five-year contract and a £10 million signing bonus, confident after Williams’ April visit to the Nou Camp. His silence, despite months of negotiations, was seen as a betrayal, with president Joan Laporta stating, “Nico’s lack of communication disrespects our project.”
Bilbao celebrated the retention, with coach Ernesto Valverde praising Williams’ 70% dribble success rate. Barcelona fans, 60% of whom supported the transfer per a club poll, vented frustration online, while the club shifts focus to PSG’s Bradley Barcola. The fallout may strain La Liga relations, with a potential transfer window grudge match looming.