Athletic Club's preseason has left more shadows than lights and has set off alarms at San Mamés. Valverde's team has accumulated worrying results, with several defeats and feelings far from what was desired for a team that will play in the Champions League. Major injuries, unexpected suspensions, and signings that still haven't adapted have complicated the Basque coach's work.
Among all the situations causing concern, there's one name that draws most of the attention: Nico Williams. The Spanish international forward arrived this summer with star status and the expectation of leading the team. However, his performances in the friendlies have left much to be desired, with a level far below what he showed at the last Euro Cup.
At Barça, where he was very close to landing, they continue to closely follow every step of the red-and-white striker. Laporta and Deco had prepared a major offensive for him, convinced that his profile fit perfectly into Hansi Flick's system. However, his surprising contract renewal with Athletic, announced with smiles and surrounded by fans, closed any possibility of him wearing the blaugrana jersey this season.
The drop that confirms the fears
For many culés, Williams's decision to stay in Bilbao already raised some doubts. His recent history of muscle injuries and the inconsistency in his last campaigns made them think that his signing could be risky. What has been seen in recent weeks seems to prove them right.
In several friendlies, the striker has shown a clear lack of spark and a worrying loss of confidence. Opposing defenders have managed to neutralize him with relative ease, and his interventions have been much less decisive than expected. This has created a climate of criticism among the red-and-white fans, who expected more from their highest-paid player.
At Barça, this news is interpreted as confirmation that the operation, no matter how attractive it seemed, involved a high risk. Flick, who was betting on strengthening the wings, has found in other signings profiles that currently offer better guarantees.
A locker room under tension
Nico Williams's difficulties aren't limited only to the sporting side. According to sources close to the club, some of the player's attitudes have caused internal unrest in the locker room. His body language in recent training sessions and matches has been criticized by several teammates.
This context complicates Valverde's task, who needs his main attacking reference to be fully involved before the start of the official season. The pressure of playing in the Champions after more than a decade without doing so adds even more demands.
At Can Barça, the situation continues to be analyzed with a certain sense of relief. Even though in the summer they seriously considered paying his release clause, the last few weeks have reinforced the idea that the investment wouldn't have been the most suitable. Now, the blaugrana club can focus on other targets that generate less uncertainty.
Barça already looks elsewhere
Laporta and Deco haven't closed the door on becoming interested in Nico Williams again in the future. However, they're aware that his signing would have to be accompanied by a radical change in his performances and competitive mentality.
For now, the priority is to consolidate the signings already made and look for reinforcements in more urgent positions. Williams's case serves as a reminder that, in soccer, recent performance matters more than any projection of talent.
Ultimately, what was supposed to be the summer of consecration for Nico Williams has ended up becoming a collection of doubts. Seen from Barcelona, that situation only reinforces the idea that Barça was right not to insist further.