The 'soap opera' surrounding Nico Williams seems to be officially coming to an end. Unfortunately, for FC Barcelona, it appears that this time the scales will not tip in their favor, as images circulating on social media showing the Pamplona left winger happily integrating into Athletic Club's training in Lezama are a clear sign that the forward's decision would be to continue with the Basque team for the 2024/25 season.
Now, according to various sources, apparently Spain's '17' may have decided to 'ditch' the Blaugrana due to uncertainty about his registration. Despite talks within the Barça environment for some time about the imminent financial regularization of the club that would allow operations in the transfer market under the renowned 1/1 rule, with just 10 days until the start of LaLiga EA Sports, nothing promised has been officially confirmed yet, creating a significant air of uncertainty.
However, recently Sport has disseminated information offering a different version of events. Allegedly, Barcelona had communicated to the forward that his signing was financially viable and could have been registered without issues. Therefore, if he chooses to stay at Athletic Club, it would solely be for personal reasons, as the Catalan side has done everything possible to acquire his services this summer.
FC Barcelona Understands and Accepts Nico Williams's Decision
Despite this clarification, from the Barcelona camp, they seem to understand Nico Williams's apparent decision to continue his career with the Basque team, although it leaves a 'bittersweet' feeling since it seemed like an imminent deal that would have been a major coup for the Blaugranas, acquiring one of the standout players of the Euro, who also has a special connection with the new and promising star of the Barça squad: Lamine Yamal, with whom there was hope they would form a lethal duo in the attacking front.
However, in the end, the Athletic Club's campaign to persuade him to stay for another season seems to have weighed more heavily, with the promise of establishing him as the main star of the 'Lions.' It is worth mentioning that the Bilbao team will not participate in the Europa League in the 2024/25 season, with the peculiarity that if they reach the final stage of this competition, it will be held at San Mamés, which would be a very special situation for him.