Unfinished business: Barcelona set to revive pursuit of €70m-rated top target in 2025

Barcelona’s pursuit of Athletic Club star Nico Williams has not ended, despite the player turning down a move to the Catalan giants this summer. 

Adding to it, according to a recent report from SPORT, Barcelona remain determined to secure his signature in 2025. 

While the disappointment of missing out on the forward this summer may be fresh, it has not altered the club’s original plan. Both Barcelona and Nico seem to be on the same page, even after he renewed his contract with Athletic Club.

Barcelona will try again

The strategy for bringing the talented winger to Camp Nou has always been a long-term project. Barcelona had planned well in advance to make a move for him, aiming to give all parties involved a favourable outcome. 

Athletic Club, on one hand, would have the satisfaction of keeping their star for one more season, appeasing their fan base. On the other hand, Nico could leave the team on good terms, especially as his departure would bring in a significant sum of €60 million. 

Barcelona will go again for Nico Williams in 2025. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

For Barcelona, this would buy them time to organise their finances and prepare for such a major investment.

However, things took a turn when Nico’s form skyrocketed after his involvement in the Euros. His partnership with Lamine Yamal captured the attention of fans and critics alike. 

The buzz around him grew to such an extent that Barcelona felt they could no longer afford to wait. 

Club President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco were so eager to make this deal happen that they were willing to take on more debt to sign both Nico and Dani Olmo.

Yet, despite Barcelona’s efforts, Nico, whose market value stands at €70 million, decided to stay put for the time being, feeling the pressure from Bilbao. Although he backed away, for now, the original plan hasn’t changed. 

Nico has not committed to Athletic beyond this season, and there are no signs of a renewal on the horizon. 

Barcelona remain optimistic about signing him in 2025, and while relations may have been strained, all could be forgotten quickly. It would be unwise to rule out seeing Nico in Barcelona colours soon.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication