Nico Williams’ move to Barcelona leaving a sour taste in Bilbao

Nico Williams is edging ever closer to completing a highly anticipated summer move to FC Barcelona, with growing reports suggesting that the Spanish international is fully committed to joining the Catalan giants. The talented winger, who has attracted interest from several top European clubs following his standout performances for both Athletic Club and Spain, is said to have made it clear that Camp Nou is his preferred destination.

Sources indicate that personal terms between Williams and Barcelona have already been agreed, signalling the player's readiness to make the leap. Now, the only obstacle remaining is for Barça to meet the release clause set in his current contract, a significant financial step, but one that the club appears willing to take in order to secure one of Spain’s most promising young talents. The move would mark another statement of intent from Barcelona as they look to rebuild and challenge at the top once again.

Now, the transfer saga is beginning to take an ugly turn, with some Athletic Bilbao fans turning against their homegrown superstar, even though he has yet to don a Barcelona shirt. Tensions are rising as the club remains determined to keep hold of the winger, reportedly preparing a new contract offer that would significantly raise his release clause in an attempt to ward off interest from the Catalan giants. Should Nico agree to the new contract, the significantly higher release clause could prompt Deco and Barcelona’s transfer hierarchy to reconsider their pursuit and potentially shift their focus elsewhere.

That now appears increasingly unlikely, and the situation has soured among sections of the fanbase, with frustration turning toward the younger of the Williams brothers. A mural featuring Nico, Iñaki Williams, and Iker Muniain has been defaced, with his face scrubbed out and replaced with a message reading: “Whether you leave or stay, you have lost respect.”

If Barcelona try to negotiate a cut-price deal instead of triggering the full release clause, and Nico Williams begins to apply pressure from his side, tensions in the red-and-white half of the Basque region could quickly escalate, with the current unease turning into outright anger.

The recent incident in Barakaldo may signal the beginning of a backlash against Williams, with growing hostility likely to overshadow future fixtures at San Mamés should the move to Barcelona go through.

Athletic Bilbao have made a concerted effort to counter the growing hostility among some supporters, reaffirming their support for Nico Williams in a statement that read 'Nico is one of us' and emphasizing that he remains part of the club's family. In doing so, the club has clearly distanced itself from the recent acts of vandalism and fan anger, reaffirming their stance as fully supportive of the player, and still hopeful he will commit his future by signing a new contract.

It remains to be seen whether the expected announcement this summer will spark unrest in Bilbao, but one thing is certain, Nico Williams will undoubtedly hope to leave with the well wishes of the fans who have supported and adored him throughout his professional career.