They extend your contract, and then kick you out of the locker room

Nico Williams is undeniably one of Spain’s brightest young talents, attracting interest from numerous clubs — with FC Barcelona seemingly leading the chase. Yet, in a surprising twist, the Athletic Bilbao international chose to stay and signed a contract extension until 2035. The catch? Reports suggest he’s no longer fully accepted in the locker room.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, many teammates haven’t forgotten Williams’ earlier intentions to leave, casting doubt on his commitment to Athletic’s project. For many, his contract renewal came as a shock, given he had publicly expressed a desire to move on.

Staying put came with a hefty price tag — Williams became Bilbao’s highest-paid player, locking in a staggering 10-year deal. His release clause reportedly jumped from 58 million euros to 100 million euros.

This sudden rise in status hasn’t sat well with some of the squad’s key figures like Dani Vivian and Oihan Sancet, who feel they contribute more to coach Ernesto Valverde’s system and believe their salaries should reflect that. The situation has reportedly sparked jealousy within the team.

Moreover, Williams’ privileges have rubbed some players the wrong way, especially after a below-par season. Despite featuring in 29 La Liga games, he was involved in just 10 goals — a tally viewed as underwhelming by his peers.

Contributing factors included a series of minor injuries that sidelined him for 10 matches. There are whispers that Williams’ off-pitch lifestyle — including a busy nightlife — may be affecting his fitness and form.

With tensions simmering, Williams will need to win back his teammates’ trust in the upcoming season. Athletic Bilbao kicks off their campaign at home against Sevilla on August 17.