Nico Williams' agent reveals how Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona were all snubbed in 2024

Nico Williams turned down approaches from some of Europe’s biggest clubs — including Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain — before committing his future to Athletic Bilbao on a 10-year contract in the summer of 2024, his agent has revealed.

Felix Tainta, speaking to Spanish outlet Los Fulanos, confirmed the scale of interest that followed Williams’ standout performances at Euro 2024, where the 22-year-old scored in Spain’s final victory over England. “Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain… I could name them all,” Tainta said. “Everyone wanted Nico, and having a player say no to all these clubs isn’t easy.”

The most advanced negotiations were with Barcelona, and the saga became a prolonged and at times bitter public affair. Athletic Bilbao supporters grew frustrated with Williams as speculation intensified, before he made a surprise U-turn and opted to remain in the Basque Country. Tainta has now explained that concerns over playing time — with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon — were central to that decision.

“There came a point in the negotiations where Nico couldn’t be without playing time,” Tainta said. “Nico is a Formula 1 car. A professional has to practice their profession. If you can’t assure me that it won’t affect me, then I might have to change my mind.”

Tainta added that Athletic were kept informed throughout the process, even as tensions rose over Barcelona’s approach. “Athletic knew because I kept them informed about the situation at all times, even though Athletic were angry with Barca for their methods,” he said.

Williams ultimately signed a contract extension keeping him at Athletic until 2035. The decision proved timely: he went on to be part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup, and at 24 he remains one of the most coveted wide players in European football. He has scored two goals in eight appearances for club and country so far this season.