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Nico Williams Transfer from Athletic Club to Real Madrid

35d ago

In January, reports in Spain claimed that Jurgen Klopp told Madrid to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2025. According to The Touchline, Williams is not happy at Bilbao and feels constrained at the club after signing a new long-term contract in the summer of 2025. Estadio Deportivo states that the release clause in Williams’ contract is €90 million. The reason Williams is not happy is his belief that he will not succeed at Bilbao because of a reported transfer ban that could be imposed on the club. An account with 1.5 million followers on X wrote on February 13, 2026, that Nico Williams’ entourage revealed that the player no longer has hope for success at Athletic Club, following a FIFA transfer ban for three seasons.

In January, reports in Spain claimed that Jurgen Klopp told Madrid to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2025. According to The Touchline, Williams is not happy at Bilbao and feels constrained at the club after signing a new long-term contract in the summer of 2025. Estadio Deportivo states that the release clause in Williams’ contract is €90 million. The reason Williams is not happy is his belief that he will not succeed at Bilbao because of a reported transfer ban that could be imposed on the club. An account with 1.5 million followers on X wrote on February 13, 2026, that Nico Williams’ entourage revealed that the player no longer has hope for success at Athletic Club, following a FIFA transfer ban for three seasons.

65d ago

A report from Team Talk claims that if Jurgen Klopp becomes the manager of Real Madrid, he would sign Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao to fill the void on the club's left wing.

A report from Team Talk claims that if Jurgen Klopp becomes the manager of Real Madrid, he would sign Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao to fill the void on the club's left wing.

92d ago

According to a report from Fichajes, Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is waiting for a move to Real Madrid, despite interest from the Premier League. He is determined to complete a move to the Bernabéu as early as next summer.

According to a report from Fichajes, Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is waiting for a move to Real Madrid, despite interest from the Premier League. He is determined to complete a move to the Bernabéu as early as next summer.

92d ago

Nico Williams has reportedly emerged as a target for Real Madrid. Recent reports from Spain have named Arsenal and Liverpool as interested parties for Williams, while Barcelona’s interest is well-documented. Real Madrid are said to have an advantage in the pursuit of Williams, as reports suggest he strongly desires a move to the Bernabeu. According to one report, despite strong interest from other countries, especially from the Premier League, the player’s desire is unequivocal. The report adds that Nico Williams wants to sign for Real Madrid and is willing to wait for the right moment for that opportunity to happen. Real Madrid are claimed to view Williams as a potential replacement for Vini Jr.

Nico Williams has reportedly emerged as a target for Real Madrid. Recent reports from Spain have named Arsenal and Liverpool as interested parties for Williams, while Barcelona’s interest is well-documented. Real Madrid are said to have an advantage in the pursuit of Williams, as reports suggest he strongly desires a move to the Bernabeu. According to one report, despite strong interest from other countries, especially from the Premier League, the player’s desire is unequivocal. The report adds that Nico Williams wants to sign for Real Madrid and is willing to wait for the right moment for that opportunity to happen. Real Madrid are claimed to view Williams as a potential replacement for Vini Jr.

258d ago

Team Talk reports on Real Madrid's decision not to pursue Nico Williams despite his interest in joining the club. Real Madrid did not attempt to sign Nico Williams despite his interest in moving to the club. The presence of Vinicius Junior and the focus on his contract extension were factors in this decision. Williams, realizing he would not play for Madrid, explored a move to Barcelona instead.

Team Talk reports on Real Madrid's decision not to pursue Nico Williams despite his interest in joining the club. Real Madrid did not attempt to sign Nico Williams despite his interest in moving to the club. The presence of Vinicius Junior and the focus on his contract extension were factors in this decision. Williams, realizing he would not play for Madrid, explored a move to Barcelona instead.

265d ago

90min reports on the transfer situation involving Nico Williams and his decision to join Barcelona after an initial preference for Real Madrid. Earlier in the transfer window, Nico Williams met with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to confirm his preference to join the club this summer. After being rejected, he is set to join Barcelona instead.

90min reports on the transfer situation involving Nico Williams and his decision to join Barcelona after an initial preference for Real Madrid. Earlier in the transfer window, Nico Williams met with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to confirm his preference to join the club this summer. After being rejected, he is set to join Barcelona instead.

265d ago

Team Talk reports on Nico Williams' expressed desire to join Real Madrid.

Team Talk reports on Nico Williams' expressed desire to join Real Madrid.

277d ago

90min reports on Real Madrid's decision regarding the potential signing of Nico Williams. Real Madrid were interested in signing Nico Williams but have opted out due to Vinícius Júnior's contract demands. Real Madrid is hesitant to pay Williams's €62 million release clause.

90min reports on Real Madrid's decision regarding the potential signing of Nico Williams. Real Madrid were interested in signing Nico Williams but have opted out due to Vinícius Júnior's contract demands. Real Madrid is hesitant to pay Williams's €62 million release clause.

284d ago

Goal.com reports on Athletic Club's efforts to renew Nico Williams' contract amid interest from Real Madrid. Athletic Club have opened renewal talks with Nico Williams, offering a big pay rise to keep him amid interest from Real Madrid.

Goal.com reports on Athletic Club's efforts to renew Nico Williams' contract amid interest from Real Madrid. Athletic Club have opened renewal talks with Nico Williams, offering a big pay rise to keep him amid interest from Real Madrid.

298d ago

Real Madrid reportedly showed interest in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. However, according to El Chiringuito, this rumor is false and originated from Athletic Bilbao. The club is determined to sell the player and is urging potential suitors to act quickly. Nico Williams is available for a release clause of 58 million euros.

Real Madrid reportedly showed interest in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. However, according to El Chiringuito, this rumor is false and originated from Athletic Bilbao. The club is determined to sell the player and is urging potential suitors to act quickly. Nico Williams is available for a release clause of 58 million euros.

303d ago

Team Talk reports on Real Madrid's interest in Nico Williams and the potential transfer dynamics. Real Madrid are seriously considering a move for Nico Williams. The presence of a modest €58m release clause makes sealing a deal ‘relatively simple.’ Williams is a young, explosive player with great media impact and both sporting and commercial potential. Real Madrid believe the market opportunity is too tempting to pass up, although the deal would only be finalized if a major exit, such as Rodrygo's, occurs.

Team Talk reports on Real Madrid's interest in Nico Williams and the potential transfer dynamics. Real Madrid are seriously considering a move for Nico Williams. The presence of a modest €58m release clause makes sealing a deal ‘relatively simple.’ Williams is a young, explosive player with great media impact and both sporting and commercial potential. Real Madrid believe the market opportunity is too tempting to pass up, although the deal would only be finalized if a major exit, such as Rodrygo's, occurs.

304d ago

Real Madrid is seriously considering triggering the release clause of Nico Williams, who is an international player for Spain and currently plays for Athletic Club. The Madrid club is ready to pay 58 million euros to acquire him. Previously, he was also coveted by FC Barcelona, but a transfer to Catalonia no longer seems likely.

Real Madrid is seriously considering triggering the release clause of Nico Williams, who is an international player for Spain and currently plays for Athletic Club. The Madrid club is ready to pay 58 million euros to acquire him. Previously, he was also coveted by FC Barcelona, but a transfer to Catalonia no longer seems likely.

350d ago

Team Talk reports on Nico Williams' interactions with Arsenal and Real Madrid regarding his potential transfer.

Team Talk reports on Nico Williams' interactions with Arsenal and Real Madrid regarding his potential transfer.

351d ago

Nico Williams dreams of a move to Real Madrid despite interest from Arsenal. Spanish journalist François Gallardo claimed that Williams is on his way to Madrid and that there had already been contacts regarding his transfer. Williams has already turned down the chance of joining Barcelona because his 'true dream' is to play for Madrid.

Nico Williams dreams of a move to Real Madrid despite interest from Arsenal. Spanish journalist François Gallardo claimed that Williams is on his way to Madrid and that there had already been contacts regarding his transfer. Williams has already turned down the chance of joining Barcelona because his 'true dream' is to play for Madrid.

353d ago

Arsenal are leading Real Madrid in the race to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. (Football Insider)

Arsenal are leading Real Madrid in the race to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. (Football Insider)

365d ago

90min reports on Real Madrid's transfer strategy involving Vinicius Junior and Nico Williams. Contract talks between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid are close to a positive resolution but the Spanish side are ready to move for Athletic Club's Nico Williams if Vinicius opts for a surprise move to Saudi Arabia.

90min reports on Real Madrid's transfer strategy involving Vinicius Junior and Nico Williams. Contract talks between Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid are close to a positive resolution but the Spanish side are ready to move for Athletic Club's Nico Williams if Vinicius opts for a surprise move to Saudi Arabia.

367d ago

Real Madrid is considering Nico Williams as an ideal replacement for Vinícius Júnior, who might leave the club. Nico Williams, a 22-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao, is seen as a cost-effective alternative compared to other options like Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Real Madrid is considering Nico Williams as an ideal replacement for Vinícius Júnior, who might leave the club. Nico Williams, a 22-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao, is seen as a cost-effective alternative compared to other options like Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

400d ago

Nico Williams is attracting interest from several top European clubs. Despite a release clause of 58 million euros, his salary demand of 11 million euros net per season might be a consideration for interested clubs. Real Madrid is among those monitoring his situation.

Nico Williams is attracting interest from several top European clubs. Despite a release clause of 58 million euros, his salary demand of 11 million euros net per season might be a consideration for interested clubs. Real Madrid is among those monitoring his situation.

442d ago

Team Talk has reported on Real Madrid's interest in acquiring Nico Williams, emphasizing that initial contacts have been made with the player's representatives. It is said that Real Madrid has begun preliminary discussions with Nico Williams' entourage. The winger is reportedly a top target for Real Madrid, and they have already engaged in these initial talks. Nico Williams is noted to have a release clause set at €58 million (£48m/$59.5m). If Real Madrid successfully signs the winger, it is believed they could thwart their rivals Barcelona's aspirations, which would be considered an embarrassment for Barcelona given the efforts they have invested in pursuing him.

Team Talk has reported on Real Madrid's interest in acquiring Nico Williams, emphasizing that initial contacts have been made with the player's representatives. It is said that Real Madrid has begun preliminary discussions with Nico Williams' entourage. The winger is reportedly a top target for Real Madrid, and they have already engaged in these initial talks. Nico Williams is noted to have a release clause set at €58 million (£48m/$59.5m). If Real Madrid successfully signs the winger, it is believed they could thwart their rivals Barcelona's aspirations, which would be considered an embarrassment for Barcelona given the efforts they have invested in pursuing him.

442d ago

Nico Williams, a 22-year-old Spanish international winger from Athletic Club, is a priority for Real Madrid. Known for his ability to outplay opponents and create danger from the wings, his signing is intended to strengthen the offensive rotation, especially considering the potential departure of Rodrygo Goes, who might seek new opportunities in 2025.

Nico Williams, a 22-year-old Spanish international winger from Athletic Club, is a priority for Real Madrid. Known for his ability to outplay opponents and create danger from the wings, his signing is intended to strengthen the offensive rotation, especially considering the potential departure of Rodrygo Goes, who might seek new opportunities in 2025.

451d ago

Nico Williams, currently playing for Athletic Bilbao, is favoring a move to Real Madrid over other suitors like Barcelona. Despite Real Madrid not making a formal offer yet and focusing on other squad areas, Williams shows a desire to play for Real Madrid in the future.

Nico Williams, currently playing for Athletic Bilbao, is favoring a move to Real Madrid over other suitors like Barcelona. Despite Real Madrid not making a formal offer yet and focusing on other squad areas, Williams shows a desire to play for Real Madrid in the future.

455d ago

Real Madrid is looking to land Nico Williams, with the player now ready to put off committing his future to a Premier League club due to this interest. Real Madrid is eyeing him as insurance against losing Vinicius Jr or Rodrygo due to potential moves.

Real Madrid is looking to land Nico Williams, with the player now ready to put off committing his future to a Premier League club due to this interest. Real Madrid is eyeing him as insurance against losing Vinicius Jr or Rodrygo due to potential moves.

464d ago

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his desire for Spain winger Nico Williams to join Real Madrid when he leaves Athletic Bilbao. Mourinho praised Williams as a fantastic player, preferring him over Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Williams has a release clause of €58 million and has also been linked with Barcelona and Arsenal.

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his desire for Spain winger Nico Williams to join Real Madrid when he leaves Athletic Bilbao. Mourinho praised Williams as a fantastic player, preferring him over Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Williams has a release clause of €58 million and has also been linked with Barcelona and Arsenal.

465d ago

Jose Mourinho, the coach of Fenerbahçe, conveyed his admiration for Nico Williams during a press conference preceding the Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao. Mourinho expressed praise for Nico, noting that he compared him favorably to another young talent, Yamal. He also mentioned his hope that Nico would eventually join Real Madrid, a club Mourinho managed from 2010 to 2013. Nico Williams had previously contemplated a move to Barcelona last summer but ultimately decided to remain at Athletic Bilbao.

Jose Mourinho, the coach of Fenerbahçe, conveyed his admiration for Nico Williams during a press conference preceding the Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao. Mourinho expressed praise for Nico, noting that he compared him favorably to another young talent, Yamal. He also mentioned his hope that Nico would eventually join Real Madrid, a club Mourinho managed from 2010 to 2013. Nico Williams had previously contemplated a move to Barcelona last summer but ultimately decided to remain at Athletic Bilbao.

516d ago

Nico Williams, a talented Spanish international winger, is drawing attention from several major clubs, including Real Madrid. Although he is currently playing for Athletic Club and is a key player for the team, Real Madrid is keeping a close watch on him. Paco González, from Cadena COPE's Tiempo de Juego program, mentioned that a potential move to Santiago Bernabéu would hinge on Real Madrid's current roster changes, specifically the departure of Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo, which at present seems unlikely. Real Madrid's admiration for Nico is clear, and the upcoming summer could be crucial for his future as the club might make a move to secure his services.

Nico Williams, a talented Spanish international winger, is drawing attention from several major clubs, including Real Madrid. Although he is currently playing for Athletic Club and is a key player for the team, Real Madrid is keeping a close watch on him. Paco González, from Cadena COPE's Tiempo de Juego program, mentioned that a potential move to Santiago Bernabéu would hinge on Real Madrid's current roster changes, specifically the departure of Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo, which at present seems unlikely. Real Madrid's admiration for Nico is clear, and the upcoming summer could be crucial for his future as the club might make a move to secure his services.

562d ago

During an autograph session, a fan asked Nico Williams to join Real Madrid. The player humorously responded, "No kidding, bastard."

During an autograph session, a fan asked Nico Williams to join Real Madrid. The player humorously responded, "No kidding, bastard."

562d ago

Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Spanish international, had stellar performances at the Euro in Germany, where his team reached the final stages. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing him. However, Williams has shown a clear preference for Barcelona. During preparations with the national team for the Nations League, a Real Madrid fan asked him if he would join Real next season, to which he jokingly responded that there was no way he would. The video clip went viral on X.

Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Spanish international, had stellar performances at the Euro in Germany, where his team reached the final stages. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing him. However, Williams has shown a clear preference for Barcelona. During preparations with the national team for the Nations League, a Real Madrid fan asked him if he would join Real next season, to which he jokingly responded that there was no way he would. The video clip went viral on X.

562d ago

Nico Williams made a sensational impact at the Euro, where he was one of the key contributors to Spain's triumph. From the first match against Croatia to the final against England, he consistently troubled opponents and delighted his teammates and fans. During the European Championship, he attracted the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid and especially Barcelona showing significant interest in him. Spanish media reported in recent weeks that Williams is keen on a move to Barcelona. During Spain's preparations for the upcoming Nations League matches, a fan asked Nico if he was joining Real Madrid next season, to which Williams, smiling, emphatically denied the possibility.

Nico Williams made a sensational impact at the Euro, where he was one of the key contributors to Spain's triumph. From the first match against Croatia to the final against England, he consistently troubled opponents and delighted his teammates and fans. During the European Championship, he attracted the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid and especially Barcelona showing significant interest in him. Spanish media reported in recent weeks that Williams is keen on a move to Barcelona. During Spain's preparations for the upcoming Nations League matches, a fan asked Nico if he was joining Real Madrid next season, to which Williams, smiling, emphatically denied the possibility.

570d ago

Nico Williams, a winger from Athletic Bilbao, is considered a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior if he leaves Real Madrid. Williams has performed exceptionally well for the Spanish national team, particularly in Euro 2024, where he played a key role.

Nico Williams, a winger from Athletic Bilbao, is considered a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior if he leaves Real Madrid. Williams has performed exceptionally well for the Spanish national team, particularly in Euro 2024, where he played a key role.

570d ago

Real Madrid has a ready replacement if Vinicius Junior decides to leave. The potential replacement is Nico Williams, a player from Athletic Bilbao who was linked with Barcelona this summer but remained at San Mames. If the transfer is realized and the Spaniard comes to Santiago Bernabeu, it would be a big victory for Real over their main rival, Barcelona.

Real Madrid has a ready replacement if Vinicius Junior decides to leave. The potential replacement is Nico Williams, a player from Athletic Bilbao who was linked with Barcelona this summer but remained at San Mames. If the transfer is realized and the Spaniard comes to Santiago Bernabeu, it would be a big victory for Real over their main rival, Barcelona.

570d ago

Petón revealed that if Vinicius leaves Real Madrid this summer, the club already has his replacement. That player would be Nico Williams, the Athletic Club player. The Basque team player has already been on Real Madrid's radar on more than one occasion and now, with Vinicius and Saudi Arabia, he is back in the spotlight for the white team.

Petón revealed that if Vinicius leaves Real Madrid this summer, the club already has his replacement. That player would be Nico Williams, the Athletic Club player. The Basque team player has already been on Real Madrid's radar on more than one occasion and now, with Vinicius and Saudi Arabia, he is back in the spotlight for the white team.

617d ago

Jon Rahm mentioned that if a big club like Madrid comes with an option to win Champions League, Nico Williams might consider moving.

Jon Rahm mentioned that if a big club like Madrid comes with an option to win Champions League, Nico Williams might consider moving.

626d ago

Williams has been linked with Real Madrid following his impressive performances for Spain in Euro 2024.

Williams has been linked with Real Madrid following his impressive performances for Spain in Euro 2024.

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