Nico Williams to Barça? The Truth Behind a Transfer That Is Drifting Away

The FC Barcelona board seems to have more and more doubts about the possible signing of Nico Williams in the next summer market. Although he is a player loved by the fans and with an excellent relationship with the Spanish internationals of Barça, his arrival is no longer, by far, a priority for the club. Why? Basically for two logical reasons.

On the one hand, there is the sporting issue. At the beginning of the year, market rumors pointed to Barça's desire to add another left winger in the summer. However, the extraordinary level of Raphinha (28 goals and 22 assists), together with the good performances of men like Fermín López (5G/9A) and Dani Olmo (8G/5A) covering the left side in attack leave Hansi Flick very satisfied.

Names like Nico, Rafael Leao (AC Milan) and Luis Díaz (Liverpool) have sounded strongly on the culé radar to join the lethal offensive trident formed by Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. The implacable 'LRL' that, with one month to go before the end of 2024-25, has been able to score a whopping 82 goals (40 from 'Lewy', 28 from Rafa and 14 from Lamine).

Nico Williams and Barça: an impossible dream?

In that sense, the squad has responded brutally and both the board and the coaching staff are very satisfied with the team's performance. Although the possibility of incorporating at least one reinforcement in attack is still on the table, Barça's objective seems to be to sign another '9', this as long as Ferran Torres decides to leave.

And the 'Shark' (16G/4A) has also responded in the best way to Flick's confidence, with a production that not only ratifies his effectiveness as a revulsive, but also the ability to provide solutions to the blaugrana team as a starter.

In addition, there is the financial issue. Although Nico Williams' clause (58 million euros) and his possible salary (around 15 'kilos' gross) do not represent a very high burden for the club, the truth is that, for the moment, there is no money in the bank or 'Fair Play' to amortize transfers at Can Barça.

The 'Fair Play' issue can be resolved if the club unlocks the mess related to the sale of the VIP seats of the new potify Camp Nou, but the lack of 'cash' depends on closing some high transfer or the sale of another asset of the club.

Two paths, for now, not budgeted by the board, beyond the exits that may occur this summer, such as Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati.

The Europa League, Nico's main objective this 2025

Thus, the possible arrival of Nico Williams to Barcelona for 25-26, although not 100% ruled out, looks increasingly distant. A dream perhaps impossible for the 22-year-old striker, who this season has been far from his best level (11G/7A), but keeps alive the possibility of winning a continental title with Athletic.

On Thursday, the '10' scored the goal that sealed the qualification of the Basques to the 'semis' of the Europa League. The victory against Rangers (2-0) allowed Ernesto Valverde's team to be on the verge of a final that, precisely, will be played in San Mamés on May 21.

Before, the 'lions' must overcome Manchester United. Rúben Amorim's team incredibly overturned a two-goal disadvantage in extra time against Lyon (5-4), scoring 3 goals in the last 6 minutes at Old Trafford. Athletic already left the 'red devils' in the way in 2012, before qualifying for the final of the tournament.

Will the consecration in the Europa League be a decisive factor to take Nico to Barça? We will have to wait, at least, until next June to find out. For now, contacts between the parties are non-existent, but they can be reactivated at any time.