NICO WILLIAMS NEWS

Spain's Nico Williams Stays at Athletic Bilbao Despite Barcelona Interest

Athletic Bilbao says Spain winger Nico Williams has agreed to long-term deal that will keep him at the Basque club through 2035.

JULY 4 • FOX SPORTS

Extends with Athletic until 2035 Williams has signed a contract extension with Athletic until 2035, the club announced.

Impact Williams will remain at Athletic for the next 10 seasons after signing a contract extension on Friday. This is massive news for the club since Williams was reportedly on the move during this summer transfer window. The younger brother of Inaki will remain Athletic's biggest attacking threat under coach Ernesto Valverde heading into the 2025/26 season that will see Bilbao back in the Champions League.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal outshines fellow Ballon d'Or contenders: 'The best is to talk on the pitch'

Lamine Yamal added to his Ballon d’Or case by scoring twice and outperforming his counterparts as Spain beat France 5-4 in their Nations Lea...

JUNE 6 • FOX SPORTS

Double-digit goal contributions Wiliams recorded five goals and five assists across 29 appearances (22 starts) during the 2024/25 Liga season. He also notched five goals and two assists in 13 appearances (12 star...

Impact Williams was unable to build on the breakout season he enjoyed in 2023/24, when he recorded five goals and 11 assists across 29 starts and 31 appearances, though his starts were significantly fewer in 2024/25. Williams has been heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona, and clubs in the Premier League are keeping close tabs on him as well. However, Athletic Club aren't expected to let him leave since they'll be playing in the UEFA Champions League in 2025/26, and Williams figures to be a key player for the club once again, especially if he manages to stay healthy.

MAY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Starts Sunday Williams (groin) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Barcelona.

Impact Williams has been absent from the club's past five matches but is returning for the season finale, with the attacker finding a spot in the starting XI immediately. He will hope to see a goal contribution in the season finale and add to his five goals and five assists in league play.

MAY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Option to face Barcelona Williams (groin) is an option for Sunday's match against Barcelona, accoridng to Juanma Velasco of Marca.

Impact Williams is going to be an option for Sunday's season finale, as all players have been deemed available for the match. This is great news after five straight matches missed, as he is a crucial player. He will hope to see the start, starting in 21 of his 28 appearances this league season.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Should be an option Sunday Williams (groin) should be an option for Sunday's final game of the season against Barcelona after resuming team training on Thursday, according to Inaki Ugalde of Mundo Deportivo.

Impact Williams missed the last five games due to a groin injury but was spotted back in team training on Thursday, putting him in a good position to be an option for the season finale against the Blaugranas on Sunday. That said, after almost one month out, it is unlikely he will be rushed back into the starting XI as he remains an important player for Bilbao and they will not want to risk a setback ahead of the pre-season.

MAY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Left off squad list Williams (groin) is out for Sunday's match against Valencia after being left off the squad list.

Impact Williams is outside of the call for Sunday's match due to his nagging groin issues, as the few days he had to train were not enough to regain fitness. That said, he will miss a fifth straight match, leaving only the season finale against Barcelona to make a return.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful to face Valencia Williams (groin) is doubtful for Sunday's match against Valencia, accoridng to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Juanma Velasco of Marca. "We hardly had time since Thursday night when...

Impact Williams looks likely to miss out once again Sunday, as the attacker is dealing with a groin issue that continues to bug him. That said, he will likely still be tested, possibly seeing a boost to his fitness. Even if he is fit, he will likely only see a bench spot after the uncertainty.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't make call Thursday Williams (groin) was a late call for Thursday's clash against Getafe but ultimately missed out as he was not included in the squad list for the game.

Impact Williams will miss a fourth game in a row due to his groin injury that he has not fully recovered from. He will likely be assessed ahead of Sunday's game against Valencia to determine if he can feature in the squad. The younger Williams had been an undisputed starter for Bilbao. His absence forces changes in the starting XI, with Unai Gomez currently playing on the left wing.

MAY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Late call to face Getafe Williams (groin) is questionable for Thursday's match against Getafe, accoridng to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Juanma Velasco of Marca. "Let's wait and see how they are."

Impact Williams looks to be a late call for Thursday's contest after he was absent from the past three outings, with the club to make a late decision on his groin injury. That said, he will likely be subjected to some testing ahead of the match to decide if he can play. He will hope to see the start immediately if fit, starting in 21 of his 28 appearances this season, bagging 10 goal contributions in his time on the field.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Not an option for Alaves Williams (groin) is out for Sunday's match against Alaves after being left off the squad list.

Impact Williams was a game-time decision for Sunday but is no longer an option, as he was not included in the squad list. This is a tough loss for the club, as he is a regular starter who has bagged 10 league goal contributions this season. This will force changes, with Moran Sannadi as a likely replacement.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Game time decision Sunday Williams (groin) is a late call for Sunday's match against Alaves, according to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Iker Torrescuse of Marca.

Impact Williams looks to be set to face some late testing ahead of Sunday's contest, as he is now a late call due to his groin injury. The club will hope for his availability after he missed their thumping in the UEL semifinal Thursday, likely to start if fit. However, if he is on the outside of the starting XI, expect Unai Gomez to take his spot again.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out against United Williams remains out for Thursday's second leg clash against Manchester United in the Europa League due to a groin injury.

Impact Williams doesn't feature in the squad list for Thursday's game against Manchester United due to pubalgia he is still suffering from. He is also a doubt for Sunday's clash against Alaves which could create some issues for the lineup since his brother Inaki Williams is also a doubt (hamstring) and Alex Berenguer is suspended. That said, a change in system or Maroan Sannadi playing on a wing which isn't his natural position could be on the table if both Williams brothers miss out.

MAY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play in derby Willians is out for Sunday's match against Real Sociedad due to an injury, accoridng to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Iker Torrescusa of Marca. "He is making an effort to be there...

Impact Williams is a bit of a surprise absence for Sunday's match, as he was not known to be carrying any issues, but has now been ruled out completely. This is a major loss for the club, as they are already without Oihan Sancet (leg), and will now be without a regular starter. That said, Williams will likely focus on Thursday's UEL match against United, possibly taking the cautious route, to be fit for that contest. Unai Gomez or Alvaro Djalo are likely replacements while the winger is out.

MAY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Gets minutes Wednesday Williams recorded no stats in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Las Palmas.

Impact Williams was back on the pitch after missing last match with an injury, having come off as a sub while getting 25 minutes of play. Since Feb 16, the midfielder has started five of the nine matches appeared in, scoring four goals with two assists in that span to put him at five goals and assists on the season.

APRIL 24 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for bench Williams (groin) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Las Palmas.

Impact Williams was a late call, but has made the team sheet after some doubt, appearing to pass his testing to make the bench. He is typically a starter and will likely return to the starting XI next contest when facing Manchester United in UEL play.

APRIL 23 • ROTOWIRE

Late call for Wednesday Williams (groin) is a late call for Wednesday's match against Las Palmas, according to manager Ernesto Valverde, per Juanma Velasco of Marca.

Impact Williams was absent last match but appears to be on the mend this week, as he was able to join training and seems to be in a good spot. However, it seems as if he will still have to pass some testing, as he is still a late call. He is a regular starter, starting in 22 32 of his 39 appearances this season, so he will expect to see the start if fit.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Won't face Real Madrid Williams is not in the squad for Sunday's game against Real Madrid due to a sports hernia, Juanma Velasco of MARCA reports.

Impact The star winger won't be available for Sunday's matchup due to the injury, and although it might not keep him sidelined over a prolonged stretch, the club has decided not to risk him. This means either Alvaro Djalo or Alex Berenguer will likely start on the left side of the attack until Williams is ready to return. Athletic are expected to exercise caution on Williams' recovery since the goal is to have him ready for the UEFA Europa League semifinals against Manchester United on May 1.

APRIL 19 • ROTOWIRE

Scores second in 3-1 victory Nico Williams scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 3-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Williams scored the second Athletic goal to put his side in front 2-1. He came on as a sub with 17 minutes to go, and he scored in the 80th minute. This made it five goals in the La Liga season, where he has also picked up five assists. His scoring form this season has improved recently, with six of his nine goals in all competitions coming in the last 10 matches.

APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE

Mbappé sent off in the 1st half but Real Madrid beats Alaves in Spanish league

Real Madrid has overcome Kylian Mbappé’s red card for a reckless tackle in the first half to win 1-0 at Alaves and get back to within four points of Spanish league leader Barcelona

APRIL 13 • Associated Press

Three shots in draw Williams recorded three shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Osasuna.

Impact Williams recorded three shots in Sunday's draw, putting two on target and adding one chance created. Although he was unable to add anything to his goal tally, it was still a decent outing for him as he kept his fourth clean sheet of the season. He won one tackle and five duels as he played the full 90 minutes for the 12th time this season.

MARCH 31 • ROTOWIRE