The Million-Euro Bet on Nico

Athletic Club went all out to ensure Nico Williams didn’t leave in the summer. They renewed his deal, making him one of the highest-paid players in the squad and turning him into the crown jewel of the project meant to keep growing in Spain and Europe.

However, the gamble hasn’t started as planned. His season has been disappointing so far, marred by constant injuries that have kept him off the pitch and prevented him from performing at the level expected.

Another Absence for the Champions League

The winger trained with his teammates this week at Lezama, but he was ultimately left out of Ernesto Valverde’s squad for the trip to Borussia Dortmund in the second round of the Champions League.

He isn’t the only setback for the Basque side: Álex Berenguer and Mikel Vesga are also unavailable due to injuries, forcing Valverde to call up youngsters Mikel Santos, Ibon Sánchez, and Adrián Pérez to complete the 23-man list.

A Sad Start for a Player Meant to Be a Star

Athletic placed their trust in Nico Williams as both a present and future leader, but injuries have robbed him of continuity. While his brother Iñaki remains a key figure in attack, Nico’s absence has become one of the biggest frustrations of the season’s start at San Mamés.

The challenge now for both club and player is to turn this major investment into on-pitch results. The talent is undeniable, but patience is beginning to wear thin.