Nico pens new Athletic deal in transfer twist

Athletic Bilbao announced on Friday that coveted Spain forward Nico Williams had extended his contract to 2035 with an increased release clause, warding off reported interest from La Liga champions Barcelona.

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The deal, which extends the contract by eight years and swells the release clause by 50 percent, is “a resounding success” faced with “dizzying offers” for the 22-year-old, the club said in a statement.

“When you have to make decisions, for me what matters most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home,” Williams was quoted as saying in the statement.

Playing alongside his older brother Inaki Williams, Nico emerged through the Basque side’s youth ranks to become a star performer, netting 31 goals over his five seasons with the first team.