Neither FC Barcelona nor Real Madrid. He won't stay in Bilbao either. Nico Williams's future is already defined, and his destination will be none other than the Premier League.
Despite his name being strongly linked to the two LaLiga giants, the Navarrese winger has decided to take a different path. Lamine Yamal, his friend and teammate in the Spanish national team, is aware of all the movements.According to close sources, he already knew that the Athletic player wouldn't sign for Barça.
Nico Williams, No Place at Barça
FC Barcelona tried to sign him last summer, but the deal didn't materialize. Now, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal at a spectacular level, Nico Williams's arrival is no longer a priority.
His numbers this season show a significant difference compared to the blaugrana strikers:
Nico Williams: 33 matches, 6 goals, and 7 assists (involved in a goal every 2.53 matches). Raphinha: 37 matches, 24 goals, and 12 assists (practically a goal or assist per match). Lamine Yamal: 33 matches, 9 goals, and 13 assists (a goal or assist every one and a half matches).
With these figures, the reality is clear: Nico Williams wouldn't have an important role at Barça. He would have been a rotation player, a substitute for Raphinha and Lamine, something the Athletic player is not willing to accept.
Barça Ruled Out, He Also Rejects Real Madrid
Despite speculation at some point about possible interest from Real Madrid, Nico Williams won't land at the Bernabéu either. He doesn't want a secondary role and doesn't look favorably on following the path of young players like Arda Güler or Endrick, who have barely had minutes with Carlo Ancelotti.
Another determining factor in his decision is that he doesn't forgive Florentino Pérez for Madrid choosing to sign Joselu in 2023 instead of betting on him.
"The harmony between Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams is total," they say from the player's environment. However, fate hasn't wanted them to reunite at Barça.
His Destination: The Premier League
With Barça and Madrid options ruled out, Nico Williams has decided to move to England. His destination will be Liverpool, where he will fill the vacancy left by Mohamed Salah.
Slot's team already has a replacement planned for their Egyptian star, and Nico Williams has been chosen. Athletic is still fighting for Champions League qualification and the Europa League title.But everything points to the fact that, once the season is over, the Navarrese winger will wear red at Anfield.
Lamine Yamal knows firsthand his friend's decision. Although he would have loved to share a locker room at Camp Nou, he understands that Nico Williams's future is far from Spain.
Barça and Madrid lose an opportunity, and the Premier League gains one of the jewels of Spanish soccer.