By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Nico Williams turns down Bayern and Barcelona to sign new Athletic Club deal

In a surprising twist, Nico Williams has signed a new deal with Athletic Club, putting an end to rumors of a summer transfer to Bayern Munich or FC Barcelona.
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Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

After Nico Williams emerged as one of Bayern’s top transfer targets for the wing position, rumors linking the Spanish winger with a move to Bavaria cooled when he was reported to have decided on a move to Barcelona.

Now, in a rather surprising twist, Williams has decided to stay at Athletic Club instead of leaving, with the La Liga club announcing a long-term contract until 2035 for the winger.

With the contract extension, Williams’s release clause which was reportedly set at €58 million will be increased by more than 50 percent, Athletic revealed.

"When you have to make decisions, for me, what matters most is the heart. I’m where I want to be, with my people this is my home. Aupa Athletic!" Nico Williams said, explaining his decision.

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