Elite Suitors Turned Down as Nico Williams Chose Long-Term Bilbao Stay
In declarations made during an appearance on the Los Fulanos podcast, player agent Félix Tainta detailed the transfer interest surrounding Athletic Club winger Nico Williams following the 2024 European Championship. The revelations clarify the sequence of events that took place after the tournament, when multiple top-tier clubs across Europe made inquiries for the Spanish international.
Tainta outlined how the winger weighed widespread interest from major continental sides before opting to remain in Bilbao. The decision ultimately culminated in Williams signing a long-term contract extension with Athletic Club that runs through 2035.
Nico Williams
playerFélix Tainta Details Summer Inquiries From Europe’s Elite
Prompted on the scale of continental interest following the 2024 European Championship, Tainta explained the extent of the pursuit across several leagues.
“We all know about Barça’s interest in the summer of 2024, after the Euros. Barça, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, PSG… I could name them all. Everyone wanted Nico, and it’s not easy for a player to say no to all those clubs.”
The interest spanned five major suitors following Spain’s European Championship campaign. Despite the scale of the offers, the forward chose not to complete a move to any of the pursuing sides, maintaining his position at San Mamés.
Félix Tainta on Player Ambition and Contract Guarantees
Addressing the player’s mindset during those discussions, Tainta acknowledged that a departure was under serious consideration during the negotiation period.
“Nico was thinking of leaving,”
The agent noted that while Williams harbored ambitions of competing for top honours, potential suitors, specifically Barcelona, were unable to offer firm guarantees required to finalize a deal. Consequently, Williams prioritized stability and his long-standing relationship with Athletic Club, leading directly to his commitment through 2035.
These declarations were broadcast on the Los Fulanos podcast.