Athletic Club winger Nico Williams will once again be one of the narratives of next summer, and the Basque star is likely to be the subject of great interest from Europe’s best clubs. Meanwhile, Athletic will do everything possible to retain Williams and try to extend his contract beyond 2026.
The 22-year-old was the subject of a long chase from Barcelona last summer but decided to stay in Bilbao. Sport says he was tempted by the move, but his doubts about the club’s financial situation were part of the reasons he decided not to make the move.
However, in recent messages to Barcelona players, he let it slip that he is still tempted by the prospect of playing for the Blaugrana. Although he is happy at San Mamés, on a professional level moving to Barcelona would increase his prestige and give him more chances of winning trophies. Within Barcelona they believe that there is greater interest on the part of Williams than four months ago in taking the step.
Nico Williams feels more eager to sign for Barça than he did four months ago. @tjuanmarti
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 9, 2024
For its part, there are still widespread rumors that Barcelona want a left winger, but there are now more factors to consider. The Catalan giants spent big on Dani Olmo last summer, Raphinha has become a key player and Robert Lewandowski looks likely to remain at the club next summer. Barcelona has put its search for Williams on hold: before he was their main objective, now he is an attractive option that interests them.
Williams was one of the flavors of the summer as Spain won Euro 2024, alongside Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. The Basque winger has admitted that he regularly exchanges messages with Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde, and both were doing everything they could to convince Williams to join them. He currently has a contract until 2026, with a termination clause of 58 million euros.