The transfer market always leaves behind stories of expectations and disappointments. In recent years, there have been quite a few players who have been on FC Barcelona's radar and whose signing seemed imminent, only to end up fading away amid leaks, changes in strategy, and, above all, unexpected decisions from both the club and the players and their entourages. The most recent case once again puts the spotlight on one of LaLiga's most sought-after young talents.
Nico Williams has experienced a season of growth at Athletic Club, establishing himself as one of the most unbalancing wingers in the Spanish championship. At 22 years old, he has been a key piece in Ernesto Valverde's system, helping the Bilbao team qualify for the Champions League. While it is true that he has reduced his performances on the field compared to last season, having to deal with some injuries, he has still shown that he remains a great winger.
Last summer, Barça even held direct talks with both the player's entourage and his home club, but in the end, the deal did not materialize. Nico decided to stay in Bilbao, betting on his development at Athletic and putting any option of a change of scenery on hold, in a gesture that was well received by the red-and-white fans and by the club's sporting directors.
Leaks, coldness, and discontent: what's brewing in Nico Williams's entourage
In recent hours, information shared by Adrián Sánchez on Twitter has stirred up both the blaugrana and red-and-white environments. According to the journalist, Nico Williams's entourage has been surprised by FC Barcelona's distancing and coldness in recent weeks. What seemed like a deal with potential has become an almost nonexistent relationship, with the Catalan club withdrawing its interest and not maintaining the contacts that did exist last summer.
The reaction in the footballer's inner circle has been, according to the same source, one of some strangeness and even disappointment, as they do not understand the stance of the blaugrana sporting management. This lack of communication has also fueled rumors about the supposed interest from Real Madrid, with leaks that, according to some journalists, would have originated precisely in Nico's entourage, seeking to keep the interest of the big clubs alive in an increasingly volatile market.
Nico Williams's numbers this season explain the interest he has caused among the top European clubs. He has played more than 40 official matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists, numbers that place him among the best wingers in the league in terms of chance creation and dribbling ability. His speed, dribbling, and versatility (he can play on both flanks) have led both analysts and coaches to consider him one of the Spanish league's players with the greatest potential.
Athletic Club, aware of his value, secured his contract at the end of 2023, but a hypothetical departure has always been on the table, especially if an offer from a big club arrived. However, in this market, Barça has prioritized other positions and other profiles, and that has meant a radical change in the scenario for the footballer.