It’s clear that Barcelona are pushing hard to sign Nico Williams. A contract offer is already on the table for the 22-year-old winger, who is currently on holiday following the conclusion of Euro 2024, where he played a starring role in La Roja’s success.
One step closer. @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/CSYOBce1ck
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 23, 2024
Athletic Club are determined not to lose Williams, and they’ve been applying pressure to ensure that he stays. The latest to issue a rallying cry was veteran defender Oscar de Marcos, who warned his teammates of the risks that a move to Barcelona could bring.
“My opinion is that the best thing for Nico is to continue at Athletic. Because he’s 22 years old, because the coach he has been incredible and because he’s going to have another year out of him. He is in an ideal place, with a locker room that loves him, with his friends, his brother, it is an ideal place to continue maturing.
“There is a belief that when Barcelona wants you that you have to go, otherwise you make a mistake. But many times you have to keep in mind that not all that glitters is gold.”
Barcelona’s intention is to activate Williams’ release clause once personal terms have been agreed upon. Despite their well-documented financial woes, they have no plans to negotiate any deal with Athletic, so as not to avoid any conflict with the Basque giants – according to MD, doing this would risk blowing up the deal, and dissuade Williams from wanting the move.
It’s a tantalising situation, and Barcelona are hoping to have it resolved in the very near. However, Athletic Club are not giving up, and they will fight until the end in their bid to convince Williams to stay at San Mames for at least one more season.
