La Liga club still convinced star forward will not leave for Barcelona

Despite things appearing to be moving quite rapidly as far as Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams is concerned, his current team, Athletic Club, still remain convinced that the player will stay put, reports SPORT.

The barrage of reports about the possible signing of Nico Williams by FC Barcelona is wearing on Athletic’s patience.

At the Basque club, they are concerned that Barça are activating their machinery to take the player and that, with so much insistence, they will finally manage to sign him.

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde made their position clear at the end of the friendly match against Burgos, saying: “I’m completely calm and I just want Nico to be calm too.”

On one hand, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is intent on signing the 22-year-old Spanish international to unite him with Lamine Yamal and recreate the magic they showcased at the UEFA Euro 2024.

Nico Williams has a big decision to make. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Athletic Club are still of the conviction that Williams will not be leaving the club this summer despite the growing rumblings of a transfer.

Nico signed a new contract with Athletic last summer but with a clause of €58 million that puts him within striking distance of the big European clubs.

Barça have the advantage over the English as Nico knows that he would be a reference at the club and as a fundamental piece for Hansi Flick.

The challenge of staying at Athletic Club and fighting for the Europa League, with the final at home, also appeals to him, but Barça would be a huge step up and that attracts him as well.

As such, the ball is in Nico’s court and both Barcelona and Athletic Club expect the player’s decision to go their own way. It remains to be seen how the situation resolves.