A player with blonde curly hair appears next to the FC Barcelona crest on a green background.

Nico Williams alert, he's not just negotiating with Barça: betrayal, he could end up at...

An open dilemma that strains the summer market

The future of the 20-year-old winger is generating uncertainty in Barcelona and in the soccer world. His agents have reportedly submitted a substantial alternative offer to Barça, although the details haven't emerged yet. This situation is raising tension in the negotiations and is putting Nico at the center of attention.

The eyes of the press are focused on Camp Nou and on the other parallel deal that could frustrate the signing. The representatives' insistence on keeping options open is putting pressure on Deco and Laporta. The blaugrana club must act quickly if it wants to secure the youth international.

Soccer player wearing the Spain shirt kissing a UEFA Euro 2020 trophy.
Nico Williams with the national team | @nicolas_williams9

Support from teammates and inner circle

Several first-team players have begun to publicly show their support for the signing. Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde have posted messages of encouragement on social media, urging his arrival. These gestures are increasing the fans' expectations and are strengthening the club's official stance.

The club sees this support as a key factor in tipping Williams's decision. However, some board members recall the caution shown in previous deals. The deal remains delicate due to the club's current financial restrictions.

A soccer player wearing the Athletic Club de Bilbao uniform gestures with his arms outstretched during a match.
Nico Williams playing with Athletic Club | Athletic Club

The blaugrana club has prepared a financial plan to cover the €58 million ($58 million) release clause plus taxes that guarantees his departure. Joan Laporta and Deco trust they'll complete two departures to balance the books and comply with financial fair play. Flick has given his approval and believes Williams fits as an attacking left winger.

The sporting management considers the arrival of a young player with potential and the ability to break down defenses on the wing a priority. The strategy includes a loan with an option to buy and even deferred payment formats. All of this is keeping Barça optimistic if the other scenario becomes complicated.

Soccer player celebrating a goal with the Athletic Club de Bilbao shirt.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9

Nico keeps another high-level deal open

While he's negotiating with Barça, his agent is simultaneously working on a renewal proposal with another major Spanish soccer club. This offer aims to secure his future through a long-term contract and favorable salary conditions. That option keeps the player as a strategic asset and complicates his decision.

This is a project that involves competing in Europe and continued playing time. The deal would create a barrier to a possible move to Barcelona. Williams's inner circle views this alternative positively due to its guaranteed stability.

Nico Williams with the Athletic Club shirt
Nico Williams wearing Athletic Club's jersey | @nicolas_williams9

The decisive showdown

Barcelona is basing its offer on sporting prestige, individual growth, and being Flick's ideal teammate. The other club is responding with contractual guarantees and a starring role as a local figure. The player's heart will be divided between blaugrana ambition and a secure future with another jersey.

The coming days will be decisive for the outcome of the case. Barça must finalize urgent departures to free up salary space and meet registration requirements. If it manages to do so, it could announce his signing before the start of preseason.

Two smiling footballers in white and blue training uniforms from a team sponsored by Silbö Telecom.
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal | @rfef

Nico Williams hasn't signed, renewed, or joined any club yet. His agent is still negotiating with Athletic Club de Bilbao, which is offering a contract until 2030 with a significant financial improvement.

The Basque club isn't losing hope and wants to keep its star. The final decision of the winger will be known soon: either a new project in Barcelona or a long-term deal in Bilbao.