What does Nico Williams staying at Athletic mean for Barcelona's 2024/25 season?

The Nico Williams saga that has been going on for around quite a long time now seems to have reached an end. With the winger doubting a move to FC Barcelona, Nico wants to spend at least one more year alongside brother Inaki Williams. Moreover, recent reports indicate that Barca also believes that Nico Williams is more inclined towards staying at Athletic Club for one more season.

As seen from a distant perspective, it seems that the Blaugrana club has lost out on a wonderful asset for years to come. Let's analyze with some deep insights how Nico's decision to stay at Athletic might benefit Barca in the 2024/25 campaign:

Relaxed financial situations for Barca

Even if there seems no doubt about Nico's talent, one can't deny the fact that his signing wouldn't have come easy for FC Barcelona. Reportedly, the Blaugrana club was ready to pay €62 million for the Spanish winger's services, which seemed to have put on Barcelona's already adverse financial conditions.

In search of managing funds for his release clause, FC Barcelona seemed in a hurry to let even their core players go. Luckily, no one having the importance like Raphinha, Gundogan, and De Jong left the club. Clearly, Barca would be in a much more controlled financial situation after Nico decided to stay at the Athletic Club.

Advancement for further prospects

Barca had been linked up with Nico Williams for a long time, and even though the Catalan club had agreed on personal terms long ago, the deal's final steps stretched excessively. Though in the last Nico decided to stay at Athletic, his clear decision has made the pathway a bit transparent for FC Barcelona on how to manage further prospects like Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino.

Not to forget, Joao Cancelo had expressed his desire to return to Barcelona, even on a pay cut. Given the player's utility, Barca can pursue him now. Moreover, the club can stretch a bit for Cancelo's transfer fee, if needed, as the star full-back is currently one of the greatest assets for the role.

Nico's hesitation for Barca

In their initial talks with Barcelona regarding Nico's possible move to Barcelona, the winger had clearly expressed his desire to reunite with his national teammate Lamine Yamal. However, that willingness to represent the iconic Barcelona jersey seemed to fade away as Nico, who was confident initially, decided to rethink the decision for a possible move.

In the words of the all-time Barcelona icon Johan Cruyff,

""If you have second thoughts on playing for Barcelona, you are no longer of service to us.""

- Johan Cruyff

Thus, it is indeed better than the scenario in which Nico would have arrived with his heart at the Athletic Club, which would have been reflected in his underwhelming performances for FC Barcelona. Instead, Barcelona needs to act quickly now to grab their other dream transfer prospects.