- Williams under contract until 2027
- Madrid could trigger €58m release clause
- Valverde says winger is "very happy" in Bilbao
Getty Images SportReal Madrid sent strong message over hunt to land Nico Williams as Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde offers update on Spain star

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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Williams has emerged as a transfer target for Los Blancos, as a Marca report suggests Barcelona have lost interest in signing the 22-year-old. The winger signed a new deal with Athletic Club last summer, but he has a release clause valued at €58 million.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Valverde believes Williams will remain in Bilbao, however, saying the player is "very happy", and the club wants him to stay. Athletic Club have enjoyed a brilliant season, amassing 70 points in La Liga. The allure of Champions League football could be enough to ensure Williams doesn't have his head turned by Madrid's overtures.
WHAT VALVERDE SAID
Valverde told reporters: "We assume he'll be with us next year, and we want that to be the case. There are always rumors about players, and you know how it is. We're very happy with Nico, and Nico is very happy with us We hope next year is a great year for Nico, and that he does it here."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR NICO WILLIAMS?
Williams will feature in Athletic Club's last game of the season, a home tie against La Liga champions-elect and his longtime suitors, Barcelona. It had been assumed that Williams would eventually turn out for La Blaugrana. Could a stellar display convince either Barça to rekindle their interest in the player, or force Real Madrid to step up their pursuit?
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