Nico Williams set to snub Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal & Chelsea for Athletic Club stay - with Spain's Euro 2024 hero also in line for new contract at San Mames

According to The Athletic, Williams is poised to extend his stay by a further year with the Basque club on improved terms, which would bind him to the club until 2028. With this decision, Barcelona's hopes of acquiring Williams this summer have suffered a mortal blow and the Catalan club must look for alternatives.

Williams' commitment to Athletic is seen as a fulfillment of his long-term plan, aligning with his career aspirations and loyalty to his boyhood club. He is a product of Athletic's renowned youth academy and made his first-team debut in 2020. Since then, he has become a key player for the club, amassing 122 appearances.

Williams had always envisioned playing European football with the Basque outfit and the team's fifth-place finish in La Liga last season secured their spot in the Europa League, where Williams aims to shine. Additionally, the 2024-25 Europa League final will be held at San Mames, adding another layer of motivation for him to remain with Athletic and potentially lead them to glory on home turf.

While the squad are currently in the United States, Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has chosen to remain in Spain to expedite any potential deal for Williams. Recognising the dwindling chances of signing him, they have begun considering other targets. Dani Olmo, another Spain international, is reportedly at the forefront of their alternatives. However, securing Olmo from RB Leipzig will not be straightforward as the Bundesliga club wants the €60 million (£50m/$66m) release clause amount to be paid upfront.

Williams played a pivotal role in Spain's victorious Euro 2024 campaign, starting in six of the seven matches and netting two crucial goals, including the opener against England in the final. He is currently on a break to recharge his batteries and should get back in action before Athletic's La Liga opener against Getafe on August 15.