Nico Williams' future decided 'barring last minute U-turn'

Barcelona are reported as "practically zero chance" of signing Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams this summer, with the Euro 2024 star coming to a different decision on his future.

Posted Thursday, August 01, 2024 by 90min.com

Nico Williams has commanded plenty of interest

Williams' breakout international performances at the European Championship, combined with a relatively affordable €58m (£48.95m) release clause, had made the 22-year-old a prime contender for a high profile transfer. Barcelona were the club most heavily linked, with Lamine Yamal expressing his hope for a deal, although interest had also come from Arsenal and Chelsea too.

But there had been growing doubts over whether Williams would move at all and, now, The Athletic writes that, only barring a "last-minute U-turn", he is to remain in Bilbao.

Neither Barcelona nor Athletic Club are thought to have had it officially communicated to them at this stage, but both are now working on the assumption that the player isn't moving.

Williams came to greater prominence at Euro 2024

The reason is both clear and admirable. It is said that when Williams signed a contract extension with Athletic Club in December, it came with a particular plan that is not yet fulfilled. Staying for one more year gives him the chance to play European football with his boyhood club, having qualified for the Europa League courtesy of last season's fifth place finish in La Liga.

What's more, the competition's 2024/25 final is to be played at home, at San Mames, in Bilbao.

Williams had also been warned off jumping into a Barcelona transfer by clubmate Oscar de Marcos.

Barcelona have additionally been targeting Spain's Dani Olmo this summer and the latest development regarding Williams could see them put more into that pursuit – 90min recently reported that finalising a deal for Williams was the initial priority.

A verbal offer to RB Leipzig for Olmo has already been made. Despite ongoing financial limitations, it was in line with his €60m (£50.65m) release clause, but in more affordable payment terms rather than 100% cash up front. That clause has now expired, although Leipzig were open to a general sale at that amount. No breakthrough had been made, but talks could soon resume.