FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has avoided commenting on the contract extension of Nico Williams, who renewed with Athletic Club Bilbao until 2035, effectively ending any chance of a Barcelona transfer during the current summer transfer window.

VIDEO: Joan Laporta's Silence

Barcelona Lose Nico Williams for the Second Summer in a Row

Once again, Nico Williams’ future slips through the fingers of Barça, who for the second consecutive summer fail to secure the signing of the Spanish international winger. Despite persistent transfer rumors linking Nico to Barcelona, the player has opted to remain in Bilbao, repeating the same decision he made last year.

Early Setback for Barça in the Summer Transfer Market

Unlike last summer, when Nico rejected a move to Barcelona in mid-August, this time the decision came just four days into the 2025 transfer window. The news came as a shock to the club’s board, which was reportedly willing to activate the winger’s previous release clause of $68 million.

Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford Now Back on Barça’s Radar

With Nico Williams no longer an option, FC Barcelona has returned to its initial plan to strengthen the left wing. Luis Díaz (Liverpool) and Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) are once again being considered as top transfer targets.

Laporta and Deco Pushed for Nico Signing

Although the club initially ruled out pursuing Nico again this summer, a crucial meeting took place on June 13 between Barça sporting director Deco and Nico’s agent Félix Tainta. This meeting reignited speculation of a potential Barça transfer move.

Laporta hinted at an exciting signing on the horizon, while Deco publicly confirmed interest in the player. Even Lamine Yamal, one of Barcelona’s rising stars, expressed his desire to play alongside Nico on social media.

Athletic Club and Javier Tebas Respond to Transfer Buzz

Annoyed by the ongoing Barcelona speculation, Athletic Club released an official statement after a meeting with LaLiga president Javier Tebas, where they discussed Barcelona’s financial ability to pursue players like Nico under LaLiga’s financial fair play rules.

Financial Rules and Registration Guarantees Derail the Deal

While Laporta maintained that the club would return to LaLiga’s 1:1 economic rule, which would allow the registration of new signings without restrictions, Nico’s camp reportedly demanded written guarantees of registration — something Barcelona refused to provide.

Record Renewal: Nico Williams to Stay at Athletic Until 2035

On Friday, Athletic Club Bilbao officially announced the contract extension of Nico Williams until 2035, including a significantly increased release clause, effectively ruling out a move to Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.