A player with the FC Barcelona crest in the background on a yellow design with lightning bolts.

Huge surprise at Barça with Nico Williams: Raphinha is to blame, it's decided.

The blaugrana team has made a decision regarding the transfer market

Nico Williams was, without a doubt, one of Barça's major targets during the last transfer market. His youth, dribbling, and ability to unbalance in one-on-one situations made him a highly sought-after piece by the sports management.

Nico Williams celebrates a goal by kissing the Athletic Club shield dressed in the club's red and white shirt
Nico is one of the options | @athleticclub

However, despite Barça's real interest, the operation couldn't be completed. The club managed to secure the signing of Dani Olmo, another priority for the coaching staff, but they encountered economic limits. The lack of space in the salary cap prevented them from registering another player like Nico Williams.

Nico Williams, option for the wing

This summer, however, his name is back in the mix. With the intention of strengthening the forward line, the blaugrana club is considering several options to improve the squad, and Nico is one of them. The sports management believes that the team needs more players in attack, and the Spanish international is once again on the radar as an alternative.

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

Everything will depend on the club's financial situation and the moves that can be made with the current squad, but it's clear that the sports management wants another player there.

The locker room expresses its stance

However, according to "El Nacional," within the locker room not everyone views the possible arrival of Nico Williams favorably. Some players believe that his opportunity has already passed, as last summer the footballer chose to stay at Athletic when he had the chance on the table. That decision wasn't well received by the group, which would now view a new attempt by the club to sign him with skepticism.

According to these reports, there is a certain feeling in the locker room that "Nico's train has already passed." Not only because of the player's choice not to make the leap to Barça at the time, but also because the team has found other alternatives that are working well. Nico's arrival could create internal tensions that the club would prefer to avoid.

Raphinha has the squad in his pocket

One of the reasons for all this is Raphinha. The Brazilian is having a spectacular season, being one of the team's most decisive players. His performance has reached levels worthy of being in the conversation for the Ballon d'Or, with important goals, key assists, and absolute involvement in the team's play.

A Barcelona player in action during a match as an opponent falls to the ground.
Raphinha is unstoppable | @FCBarcelona

Moreover, Raphinha has earned the affection and respect of the locker room. He is one of the most beloved players by his teammates, and his commitment to the project is indisputable. His role in the group is key, both on and off the field, and his presence makes incorporating a winger not as urgent.