Zenit Saint Petersburg were "happy to help" Barcelona as they pursued a move for Nico Williams, but the Russian Premier League side have now asked for their money back in a hilarious turn of events.
After months of speculation surrounding his future, it was confirmed on Friday that Williams has signed an eight-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao, with the deal featuring a €90 million [£77 million] release clause.
Williams had been strongly linked with a transfer to La Liga champions Barcelona. In fact, it was widely reported in June that the Catalan side had agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old winger over a six-year deal.
But the Spain international turned down the opportunity to join his close friend, Lamine Yamal, at the Camp Nou in favour of staying at Los Leones with his brother, Inaki.
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“When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important is to listen to your heart,” Williams said after renewing at the Estadio San Mamés. “I am where I want to be, with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!”
Last month, as Barca continued to chase Williams, Zenit Saint Petersburg made the eyebrow-raising decision to donate some money towards their bid. They wrote on TikTok: "For Nico Williams from Zenit."
Soon after, the Zenit admin gave an insight into the gift-giving exercise after a Barcelona fan account posted a screenshot of the donation on social media. It read: "You gave us Malcom, so happy to help!"
Following a short-lived spell at Barca that featured four goals in 24 games, Brazilian winger Malcom joined Zenit in 2019 for a reported £36.5 million.
He would make over 100 appearances for Zenit and was the Russian Premier League's top scorer in 2022/23 as they were crowned champions. Malcom was then sold to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in 2023 for around €60 million.
Two weeks later and Zenit have reacted to Williams' decision to stay at Bilbao.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they responded to a post about their donation to Barcelona. It read: "Can we have our money back?"
Athletic Bilbao react to Williams signing eight-year deal
In a statement on their official website: Bilbao wrote: "This renewal marks a milestone in the red and white history and endorses a path already started by other teammates such as Unai Simón, Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian, Mikel Jauregizar, Beñat Prados or Ernesto Valverde himself.
"And, of course, his brother Iñaki Williams, the captain of this team that is already historic and generational."
The club added: "The step forward that Nico Williams has taken with his renewal fills the entire Athletic family with pride, and it outlines a future that is as ambitious as it is exciting. This is the famous Athletic, the famous Athletic Club."
Topics: Zenit, Athletic Bilbao, La Liga
Jack Kenmare