Spain-Ghanaian winger Nico Williams : ‘ l said NO to Barça, Arsenal and PSG to stay at Athletic Club’

The 2026 World Cup winning star said he rejected the advances of the European heavyweight suitors to stay put at the Estadio San Mamés during the summer transfer window of 2025

Spain-Ghanaian wing-forward Nico Williams has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to join up with Europe’s titans including; Barça, Arsenal and PSG to stay at La Liga side Athletic Club for the 2025-26 football season.

The 24-year-old talented wideman, who has signed a long-term contract with the Red-and-Whites until June 30, 2035, became a chief transfer target among the European giants, with a transfer switch to the Camp Nou almost getting over the line at some stage over his pursuit during the summer window of 2025.

Reacting to the transfer speculation, the 2024 Euro Cup winner, who has persistently reiterated his stance on staying put with his mother club, affirms the interest from the aforementioned suitors but chose to continue his playing career with the Basque club.

He told Spanish tabloid newspaper DlARIO AS: ”My intention to be here is beyond question. I told Barça, Arsenal, PSG, and many others that I wouldn’t be joining them because I want to be here. I hope people understand.”

He added on his representative assertions over his much-touted transfer links to potential suitors during last summer: ”It’s difficult when your name is involved in that kind of thing. Félix was wrong with what he said; things aren’t like that. The final decision is mine, my brother’s, and the family’s. What happens at home, only the three of us know. I’ve never doubted being here; I’ve had countless offers, I could have left, and I’ve always been clear about staying.”

The Bilbao-born native has so far figured in 8 La Liga games by netting once for Athletic Club in this current football season.On the international front, the winger remains unfit to feature for the Ghana national football team at the senior level having been cap-tied 38 times, with 7 goals to his name by the Spain national football team so far in his international football career.