Home LALIGA News Update Athletic Club boss says Nico Williams happy with the club

Athletic Club boss says Nico Williams happy with the club

Athletic Club president coach Ernesto Valverde insisted Nico Williams is happy with the club amid interest from Barcelona.

SIGN UP ON M88 MANSION TO JOIN THE LA LIGA FUN AND ACTION WITH A SINGLE CLICK! 

Williams remains happy with Athletic

Reports stated that Barca eyes the Spain forward to strengthen their attacking department.

Williams, who was named in the Team of the Tournament as Spain won EURO 2024, only signed a new contract with Athletic in December, extending until 2027.

Although the contract includes a €58 million ($63m) release clause, Valverde believes his player will return with the team.

“We are counting on Nico to return to training in August,” Valverde said on Thursday.

“He’s happy with us and we are happy with him. We want the best players. It’s going to be an exciting season for everyone as we return to the Europa League.”

“We have a really good team and we want to improve it. We want to compete in every competition. I am sure he loves the challenges we have in front of us; he is happy here.”

“He’s our player”

Williams has been with Athletic since joining the club’s academy in 2013.

Barca expressed interest in acquiring the 22-year-old following the hiring of Hansi Flick as the club’s new coach.

However, the Catalan giants remain in excess of their league-imposed spending limit, barring them from signing new talents.

Even Valverde is already bombarded with questions about Williams’ future, but he is confident that Williams will run it back with Athletic.

“I can’t keep repeating the same things,” he said.

“Nico has a contract, he is with us, we are happy with him and we are waiting for him to return from some time off after the Euros now.”

“As a club, we want to have the best players. That there are other teams that want them — Unai Simón, Nico, Iñaki , whoever… we want them to stay with us.”

“It’s been proven that playing for Athletic, Real Sociedad or in other clubs you can still be called up for Spain, you can still be among the best players at the Euros, win trophies and have a great year.”

“It’s a big year and I don’t have any doubts, Nico is happy. Of course, we know Nico’s a great player and it’s reported that other clubs are interested in him, but he’s our player.”