In Barcelona's locker room, there's a clear message; this time, it doesn't come from a veteran, but from the club's new gem. Lamine Yamal, just 18 years old, has a very clear idea of what it means to wear the blaugrana jersey. He doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to talking about Nico Williams, his great friend off the field, but someone he won't forgive for a double betrayal.
Despite their good relationship, Lamine believes that Athletic's winger has already had enough chances to join Barça; he hasn't rejected it just once, but twice. For the young talent, that's an unforgivable lack of commitment to a club that only opens its doors to those who truly want to be there. The message is blunt: if you've doubted Barça, you don't deserve to wear its colors.
Lamine Yamal's stance recalls a historic phrase from Johan Cruyff: "Whoever doubts playing for Barça shouldn't come." The Dutch legend always maintained that the blaugrana train passes only once, and whoever lets it go doesn't get second chances. In Nico Williams's case, that train didn't just pass once, but twice; the third time, if it comes, seems like it'll find the doors closed.
Closed door
At the club, they know that Athletic's player is a desired piece in Europe; his speed, dribbling, and ability to break down defenses fit the profile Barça is looking for. However, for Lamine Yamal, talent isn't everything. Loyalty, desire, and ambition to wear the blaugrana jersey are values that weigh as much or more than technical qualities.
Lamine himself, who grew up dreaming of succeeding at Camp Nou, believes that rejecting Barça twice is a clear message: you don't have the necessary commitment to be a culé. That, at a club going through economic difficulties and needing every reinforcement to have absolute faith in the project, is unacceptable.
The train already passed
The reality is that Nico Williams has chosen to continue his career at San Mamés, prioritizing stability and Athletic's project. It's a totally respectable decision for many, but in the culé environment, it's interpreted as a lack of ambition to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Now, with Barça looking for solutions to strengthen its attack, Nico's name is coming up again. However, Lamine Yamal's words sound like a warning. The blaugrana jersey isn't for everyone, much less for those who've turned it down twice.
The train has passed, according to Lamine Yamal; there's no return ticket. In the world of soccer, opportunities are gold, and at Barça, they're very expensive. If Nico Williams dreamed of a future at Camp Nou, that dream may have ended forever.