The winger has chosen to renew with Athletic Club until 2035, securing himself with a contract that includes a stratospheric salary. The Catalan club, which had prioritized him over other options, has received the news as a true betrayal.
Nico had expressed his desire to wear the blaugrana jersey, which led to negotiations with other profiles being put on hold. Hansi Flick already expected him as one of the key reinforcements for his new attacking trio. However, the player's entourage has played with timing and Barça has lost out.
The indignation among the sporting leadership is clear: they invested resources, time, and trust in securing his signing. In the end, his commitment has turned out to be empty words. In the locker room, figures like Raphinha and Lewandowski also don't understand his attitude and believe he wouldn't have fit into the group's dynamic.
Barça doesn't stand idly by
In response to this betrayal, FC Barcelona has wasted no time in making a move. The sporting management, far from lamenting, has accelerated an operation that had been in the works for months in silence. The new signing is young, talented, much cheaper, and has superstar potential.
The club has taken advantage of previous contacts and the player's availability to finalize his arrival within days. He is a left-footed striker, fast, with dribbling skills and great personality in one-on-one situations. Exactly the profile Flick had described as ideal to accompany Lamine Yamal.
The deal has been closed for a symbolic amount in the context of the current market. In addition, his salary doesn't affect the locker room structure and leaves room to strengthen other strategic positions. A firm and effective response after the disappointment with Nico.
A perfect profile for Flick's project
This new player arrives to immediately compete for minutes on the right wing, alternating with Lamine and Raphinha. Unlike Nico Williams, his style fits better with Yamal's inside play, something Lamine himself had communicated internally. In fact, Flick had shown reservations about the tactical fit of the Athletic player.
The new signing is more associative, with greater ease to combine and understand offensive timing. His versatility also allows him to occupy other attacking areas, something Flick especially values in his dynamic system. Most importantly: he arrives hungry, with no prior demands, and with full excitement to succeed at Barça.
Laporta, Deco, and the coach himself believe this move is even more beneficial than signing Nico. Not only because of the cost, but also because of the human and competitive profile he brings to the group. Above all, because his signing sends a message: nobody is indispensable, and Barça doesn't beg anyone.
A signing that excites all of Europe
His name has been circulating among the continent's top clubs for months. He has shined both with his national team and in international competitions, and several Premier League teams and Real Madrid had inquired about him. But he has chosen Camp Nou, attracted by Flick's project and the opportunity to play alongside the new culé generation.
The signing will be official in the coming hours. He signs until 2031 and will immediately join the first team's dynamic. The club assures that he will be one of the season's biggest surprises and that his impact will be felt from the very first minute.
Yes, Barça has lost Nico Williams. But they've gained something better: Roony Bardghji, the new blaugrana diamond. This time, they've done it without broken promises or million-euro auctions.
