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

Nico Williams puts a lot of pressure on Barça, these are his conditions: 'It's insane...'

The Athletic Club footballer has changed his stance regarding Barça

Barça have Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford at the very top of their list. Both profiles are favored by Flick and the sporting management, who are urgently seeking a left winger who can complement the attack.

Luis Diaz running backwards with the red Liverpool shirt with the Anfield fans in the background
Luis Díaz in a match with Liverpool | @luisdiaz19_

The intention is to finalize one of these two signings as soon as possible, since it's considered key for the project. Luis Díaz represents pure imbalance and experience on big stages. Meanwhile, Rashford would bring versatility, speed, and goal-scoring ability.

Nico Williams, in the background

Although just a year ago he was an absolute priority, Nico Williams now seems to have drifted away from Barça's radar. Last year, they already tried to sign him, but the player decided to stay one more season at Athletic Club.

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

That refusal left a mark on the sporting planning, which is why right now Nico appears in the background. Barça believe his opportunity has already passed and prefer to focus their efforts on players who truly look favorably on wearing the blaugrana jersey. In this sense, the name of the Spanish international has lost momentum in the offices.

Regret and hope from Bilbao

However, according to "El Nacional", Nico Williams would be regretful for not having accepted Barça's offer last year. The Athletic winger doesn't want to miss another chance to play for a big club and, especially, is excited by the idea of sharing a locker room with Lamine Yamal.

The player's entourage would be willing to wait this summer for Barça's move, keeping on hold before considering other options. Nico dreams of wearing the blaugrana and still believes he could fit into Flick's new project. The door isn't completely closed, although his signing isn't a priority, there's still a small margin for the story to change.

An affordable clause

In Nico Williams's favor is the fact that his release clause is only €58 million. For a player of his level and age, it's considered a reasonable price, especially in a market where game-changing wingers are scarce. In addition, his salary wouldn't be as high as other names, which makes the operation easier from a financial point of view.

Nico Williams with the Athletic Club shirt
Nico Williams wearing Athletic Club's jersey | @nicolas_williams9

Nevertheless, for now, Nico is still behind Luis Díaz and Rashford on the list of preferences. Barça value other qualities and contexts that, as of today, tip the balance more toward England. Even so, if the first objectives become complicated, it's not ruled out that Nico Williams's name could regain prominence.