The reason why Athletic seeks to retain Nico Williams at all costs

FC Barcelona is still unsure about signing Nico Williams for 2025-26. Although the Athletic Club winger is the alternative that generates the most excitement among the Azulgrana fans, the Bilbao team's stance on the future of their star raises doubts in a Culé board that already had a disappointment last summer when the 22-year-old forward preferred to stay one more year in Bilbao.

Beyond the interest of several big clubs in signing Nico, at this point Athletic could be the main obstacle for the Spanish international to make the definitive leap to the European elite next season. The value of his clause and the '10's salary do not represent a major obstacle for Barça, as long as the forward retains his current contract.

Álvaro Djaló, an obstacle to Barça's plans with Nico Williams?

The signing of Álvaro Djaló, who arrived at San Mamés last summer for 15 million euros, has been a real fiasco. The 25-year-old winger has only accumulated 703 minutes of action spread over 23 matches (only 7 as a starter) in which he has scored a single goal against Celta in LaLiga, in the 3-1 victory on matchday 6.

In that sense, his impact has been far below initial expectations, considering the transfer cost and his outstanding performance at Braga (14 goals in the 2023-24 season). Bilbao fans have expressed some frustration at San Mamés and on social media due to the Spanish forward's poor adaptation, as his arrival was supposed to provide a quality replacement for Nico Williams.

Hence, heading into the summer, the 'lions' are leaning towards trying to retain the '10', signing a contract extension that allows, at the same time, to update his release clause. The younger of the Williams signed until 2027, with the condition of preserving an affordable exit price (58 'kilos') to facilitate negotiation with Barça or any other European giant.

Nico Williams will not take too long to define his future

Will the Basque 'crack' be the great Culé reinforcement for 25-26? Will Athletic manage to 'tie down' their star? Next July, it is likely that the player from Pamplona will define his future, since this summer, unlike the previous one, he will not have too much distraction with Spain in a major tournament (World Cup or Euro Cup). La Roja must play the 'final four' of the Nations League in June, but it will only be two matches in Germany.