Player Profile:
Rising through the ranks of the Athletic club came a Basque winger whose brilliance would rule the European Leagues for years to come: A pacy winger by trait, Nico Williams' rise to fame has been exceptional.
Amassing eight goals, alongside 19 assists, Nico Williams had an exceptional last season at the Athletic club. Currently lighting up the Euro 2024 with his talent, the winger has been a dream target for many European giants. Registering 2 goal contributions at the Euros, Williams has been a vital player for De La Fuente's squad in the tournament.
A natural winger with exceptional dribbling, added to his capabilities to play on both flanks, Williams has been a massive transfer prospect ahead of the 2024/25 season due to his ability to torment the opposition backline on his day.
What happened?
22nd June 2024
Diario Sport journalist Toni Juanmartí reported that Nico Williams had become Barca's number 1 priority for the winger position. Moreover, he leads the race over players like Dani Olmo to join the Catalan Giants.
🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: Nico Williams is FC Barcelona's number 1 PRIORITY for the winger postion! @tjuanmarti 🔵🔴⭐ pic.twitter.com/uThHwFIaVT
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) June 22, 2024
26th June 2024
Former Barca legend Rivaldo acknowledged Williams' brilliance, saying he would be a crucial signing for FC Barcelona. The Brazilian great mentioned that the Barca camp should evaluate the Basque winger based on his performance at the Euros.
🚨🗣️ Rivaldo: "Nico Williams to Barcelona? Without a doubt, he would be a great signing for Barça, they should keep an eye on him during the Euros, then evaluate if they should sign him." pic.twitter.com/fxzHsG3HoS
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) June 26, 2024
28th June 2024
Toni Juanmartí offers a fresh update on the winger's future at the Catalan club. He mentioned that the new in-charge, Hansi Flick, has given Nico Williams' signing a green signal, saying that the German manager likes the winger the most.
🚨🚨🌕| Hansi Flick has given the GREEN LIGHT for Nico Williams. He likes him the most. @tjuanmarti 🇪🇸✅ pic.twitter.com/SBaY3QGMK1
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) June 28, 2024
4th July 2024
Barca insider Toni Juanmarti reported massive news regarding Nico Williams' move, saying that the winger prefers Barcelona over a move to the Premier League. In addition, President Joan Laporta gave the final green light for the youngster's signing.
🚨🚨🌕| Nico Williams prefers to join Barcelona over a move to the Premier League. Joan Laporta has given the final GREEN LIGHT for his signing. @tjuanmarti 🔵🔴🔥 pic.twitter.com/gTihc0VSd5
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 4, 2024
5th July 2024
The date read as a crucial aspect in Nico's Barca rumor as Toni Juanmarti confirmed that Barca is progressing with Nico's signing, and they have admitted to La Liga regarding his Barca move.
🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: FC Barcelona have made Nico Williams their main PRIORITY! The club is already progressing in negotiations for his signing. In fact, Barça have also admitted to La Liga that they are working on his signing.
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 5, 2024
Nico is now AHEAD of Olmo or Diaz. @tjuanmarti 🔵🔴⚡ pic.twitter.com/ziJoqDBHqN
How's the deal going?
As the deal had already advanced to the negotiations stage, only Joan Laporta's confirmation on Barca's financial situation was left.
Recently, Joan Laporta, in a media address, updated about the financial situation of the club, he said,
"“As of Today, FC Barcelona can financially face the signing of Nico Williams! I like him a lot.”"Joan Laporta
With the financial difficulties now sorted at the Catalan club, only the official announcement regarding the move is left. Considering the finances, Barca needs to trigger the release clause of Nico's current contract' however, the club not long before admitted that the €58M clause is reasonable for a player like him.
With him joining the Barca attack alongside Lamine Yamal, the duo seems enough to conquer European football, given the duo's recent heroics at the national level. An attack spearheaded by Lewandowski, with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal joining across the flanks, the Catalan front three seem more than ready to kickstart their 2024/25 campaign.