Spain’s Nico Williams has spoken candidly about the difficult period he endured last season.
«I went through a very tough time. It was very hard months, a shitty year,» the 23-year-old Athletic Club player told the Spanish sports newspaper Marca. While he was close to a move to FC Barcelona last summer and also in negotiations with FC Bayern Munich, he is now slowly fighting his way back after his struggles.
Although Nico Williams is part of the Spanish World Cup squad, he was not an option for coach Luis de la Fuente’s starting lineup in the 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the first group game. «I am incredibly happy, grateful to be here, and very pleased to be able to continue training and get back into shape,» said Williams, who hopes to get more playing time as the tournament progresses.
Last year, Nico Williams was repeatedly plagued by groin problems, limiting him to just 25 league appearances for the Bilbao team. He only managed to play over 90 minutes three times. In May, he then suffered a thigh injury, which initially cast doubt on his participation in the World Cup. «I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,» Williams said about the significant physical problems he had to contend with.
Barcelona and FC Bayern Were Particularly Interested in Nico Williams
Nico Williams caught the attention of a large audience – and Europe’s top clubs – at the 2024 European Championship in Germany when he formed the winger partnership with Lamine Yamal for the reigning European champions.
Last summer, it initially looked like he would leave Bilbao: FC Barcelona was reportedly willing to pay the €60 million release clause for Nico Williams, but according to media reports, the winger lacked a guarantee from the Catalan club that he could be registered as eligible to play in the league.
Meanwhile, his agent met with representatives from FC Bayern in Munich, but the German record champions allegedly found the demanded salary too high. In the end, Nico Williams extended his contract in Bilbao until 2035.
Nico Williams’ Stats for the 2025/26 Season:
| Games: | 32 |
| Minutes played: | 2101 |
| Goals: | 6 |
| Assists: | 7 |