Nico Williams faces difficult decision among three potential teams
- Despite optimism from the Barcelona board, Nico Williams’ future is still thoroughly up in the air
- The player must decide between staying in Bilbao to play with his brother, or joining either PSG or Barcelona on a transfer.
By Rohan Borges
![Athletic Club v Atletico Madrid - Copa del Rey Semifinal Athletic Club v Atletico Madrid - Copa del Rey Semifinal](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3333,h_1874,x_0,y_101/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/392/01j3qsevr9njtrwj9e8h.jpg)
The Nico Williams Saga has dragged out for nearly a month, since FC Barcelona declared their lust for the left winger following his stellar performance in the European Championship for tournament winners, Spain. For weeks, Clues have been glued to their phones, anticipating the official announcement; but only a couple of weeks away from the start of the La Liga campaign, the outlook on Williams’ future seems murkier than ever before.
🚨🚨🌕| Nico Williams is considering 3 options:
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 26, 2024
• Staying at Athletic Club
• Joining PSG
• Joining Barcelona [@tjuanmarti] ⏳☎️ pic.twitter.com/mxeFduZgfi
Until just a few days ago, Barcelona were firmly in the drivers’ seat to nab the 21-year-old from Spanish rivals Athletic Bilbao. During his trip to Germany for the Euros, Williams was said to be heavily influenced by his Spanish teammates, with current Barcelona players Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi privately and publicly lobbying for his move to Catalonia. Club president Joan Laporta wasted little time reaching out to the player’s agent to begin negotiating the terms of an agreement, and it appeared a deal was on the horizon.
However, French giants Paris Saint Germain have since made a substantial offer for the electric winger that eclipses any package that FC Barcelona can propose in their current financial situation. According to some sources, PSG have even offered to double the salary that Williams might earn at Barca, making a move to the French capital particularly appealing.
Perhaps equally as enticing for the budding star, could be the decision to remain in Bilbao, where he has spent practically his entire career. Forming one of European football’s most heartwarming duos alongside his brother, Inaki, Nico recently enjoyed his most outstanding season at the club level. He totaled 27 G/A in 37 appearances, and powered Bilbao to a victory in the Copa Del Rey final, ending the club’s 40-year trophy drought.
Williams’ connection to Bilbao is profound, and parting ways with his boyhood club would be a hard decision to make, even for the opportunity to join one of football’s most storied clubs.
At the moment Nico Williams’ future is entirely in his hands, and it won’t be long before the Spanish international is forced to decide on his next club. According to Football Espana, a decision on Williams’ future is imminent, and expected to be announced in the next 24-48 hours.
For now, Cules can only hold their breath, hoping that Blaugrana can fend off competitors and secure the signing of the summer.