Nico Williams 'agrees two-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao'

Nico Williams has reportedly come to an agreement with Athletic Bilbao over a new two-year contract, with the attacker's terms set to be extended until the summer of 2026.

The 21-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation, as his current deal at San Mames is due to expire next June.

As it stands, Williams would be free to speak to foreign clubs over a free transfer next summer, but Barcelona have also been heavily linked with the Spain international.

A recent report claimed that the forward had come to an agreement with the Catalan giants to make the move to Camp Nou on a free transfer next year.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, rumours surrounding a possible move to Xavi's side are wide of the mark, with the player instead agreeing a two-year contract extension with Athletic.

© Reuters

The report claims that Williams's release clause is expected to be set at €50m (£43.6m), meaning that he could still potentially leave San Mames next summer.

Real Madrid have also been heavily linked with the Spaniard, while Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are thought to be among his admirers from the Premier League.

Williams, who debuted for the Lions in 2021, has made 91 first-team appearances for Athletic, scoring 12 goals and registering 11 assists in the process.

This season, the forward has contributed four assists in six La Liga outings, but he missed three matches last month due to an adductor problem.

© Reuters

Williams has featured in both of his side's last two league games against Real Sociedad and Almeria, but he is seemingly facing another spell on the sidelines due to an injury which prevented him from featuring for Spain during the recent international break.

The attacker had been due to be involved in some capacity against Scotland and Norway, but he was unable to take to the field for either Euro 2024 qualification fixture.

Athletic president Jon Uriarte recently told Movistar: "Both Nico and his family are very happy in Bilbao and at Athletic Bilbao. We both are working so that he can stay here for many years."

The Lions are currently preparing for Sunday's La Liga game against Barcelona, when they will be building to make it successive victories following their 3-0 win over Almeria last time out.