Barcelona did everything in their power to sign 22-year-old key target – report

Earlier today, Barcelona’s top transfer target Nico Williams all but confirmed that he will stay at Athletic Club for one more season.

Back in training with the Basque setup, the Spanish winger openly stated that he was looking forward to the new season, virtually closing the door on a departure.

Needless to say, this comes as a massive blow for the Catalans, who were heavily invested in his signing.

As revealed by SPORT, however, the Blaugrana respect the player’s decision, which was likely made for personal and sporting reasons.

All the right signs

Barcelona’s interest in Williams goes back a long way, as the Azulgranas were receptive to his availability months before the summer transfer window.

His performance at Euro 2024 and chemistry with Lamine Yamal only heightened the interest, and the player gave all the right signs as well.

When Barcelona approached Williams towards the end of last season, the player responded positively and kept all doors open.

He welcomed the possibility of donning the Blaugrana colours, and his agent even reached an agreement with the club.

Never a Question of Finances

While Barcelona are indeed deep in a financial crisis, the economic aspect was never a hurdle in the club’s pursuit of Williams.

The Spanish outlet reveals that Nico always knew Barcelona had all the economic levers required to sign him and register him as a first-team player.

In fact, the deal to bring the club back to the 1:1 rule is very close to completion and they offered him a good deal for five seasons.

Cash to pay out his €62 million release clause as a lump sum was always ready, and the question of payment in installments never arose.

Now, with the player set to stay in the Basque capital, all the effort appears to be for nothing. It remains to be seen where Joan Laporta and company will look to reinvest the funds.