The Athletic Club continues to maintain a clear stance regarding Nico Williams' presence in their squad for the upcoming season. Despite numerous reports linking him to a possible move to FC Barcelona, especially heightened after his absence in the 'lions' last friendly in Germany against Stuttgart (4-0), the Basques remain convinced that the player will not leave the team this summer.
Recently, the Bilbao team made a huge gesture to show their intention to give more prominence to the younger Williams brother in their squad. When presenting the squad numbers for the new 2024/25 season, a significant switch occurred. The Pamplona forward will no longer wear the number '11' but will carry the iconic '10' shirt, with all the symbolism and privilege that entails.
The 'lions' used their social media to make this change official through a video showing Nico initially stamping the number 11 shirt, then handing it to his teammate, Álvaro Djalo, and finally putting on the '10' shirt himself. During this moment, the striker appears visibly emotional, in a genuine gesture that could surely raise some concerns among the Culé community.
Nico Williams, is he getting closer to confirming his continuity at Athletic?
It is important to note that Nico will now wear this iconic shirt, after at the end of the 2023/24 season, it was left vacant by an Athletic institution legend like Iker Muniain, who wore it since the 2016/17 season. In fact, a later video was released in which the Pamplona native is seen telling Álvaro Djalo that he asked 'Muni' (Muniain) for the number and how he feels "very proud to wear that number", concluding the video with a statement that begins to provide hints about the winger's future: "I want to make history with this number as he has done".
This move has perhaps been a reality check for the Blaugrana fans. Although there has been no official statement regarding the striker's stay at Athletic Club, signs are beginning to point towards a favorable path for the Basques. They have effectively countered recent reports by several outlets claiming that Nico was eager to join Barcelona this summer and had already given the green light for the operation, leaving it in the hands of the Blaugrana to find a financially feasible way to execute the transfer.
However, until there is an official statement from Nico Williams confirming his desires regarding his future, all scenarios remain open. Especially considering that there are still a few days left before this summer transfer window closes. In the case of the Pamplona player, the key date is set for August 24, the day when the forward hopes to have this matter resolved. Will he succeed?