Nico Williams is fully aware that Barcelona's interest in him has waned, but he remains resolute in his desire to leave Athletic Club next summer, aiming for a move to a top club—whether that be Barcelona or another major team.
According to his agent, FĂ©lix Tainta, the enthusiasm Barcelona once showed for signing Williams has faded, marking a significant shift since last summer.
Two key factors have contributed to this decline in interest. Firstly, the rise of young talent Lamine Yamal and the consistent performances of Raphinha, both occupying positions similar to Williams at Barcelona. Secondly, Williams’ form at Athletic has been underwhelming, with his stats falling short when compared to Barcelona's forwards.
So far in LaLiga, Williams has played 15 matches, recording just 1 goal and 3 assists. Meanwhile, Yamal boasts 5 goals and 9 assists, and Raphinha has delivered 11 goals and 6 assists. This puts Yamal and Raphinha significantly ahead of Williams in terms of contributions.
Beyond performance, Barcelona’s reduced interest in Williams is influenced by financial considerations. Other players in the market, such as Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, present more affordable options with better returns in both goals and assists. Lookman, who impressed against Real Madrid, offers a cost-effective alternative in terms of transfer fees and salary.
Additionally, Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has highlighted the arrival of Dani Olmo as a reason why Williams may no longer fit into their plans, further complicating his potential move.
Realizing the slim chances of joining Barcelona, Williams has instructed his agent to explore opportunities with other ambitious clubs. Despite this, he remains firm in his decision not to renew his contract with Athletic Club, keeping his release clause at €60 million.
Reports suggest that other clubs, including Real Madrid, have shown interest in the winger. While Madrid considered the proposal, Carlo Ancelotti's focus remains on offloading players rather than signing new forwards.
Barcelona officials were surprised by Williams' decision to seek alternatives but acknowledge that he needs to explore other avenues if a move to Camp Nou is no longer viable.
