Soccer player with a red jersey in front of the FC Barcelona crest on a pink background.

Official, Nico Williams Snubs Barça and Reveals His New Team: 'I'm Going to...'

The Athletic Club player will leave his club to join a European giant.

FC Barcelona Continues Working on Next Season's Planning. The management, led by Deco, seeks to strengthen the squad and find solutions to improve the team. Hansi Flick has made it clear that he needs more options in attack.

One of the big unknowns has been the future of Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger has been on Barça's target list for months. His speed, dribbling, and youth make him an ideal player to strengthen the left wing.

However, the story has taken an unexpected turn. Negotiations with Barça have become complicated, and the player has made a decision about his future.

A soccer player wearing a blue jacket with red, yellow and black details, and a red t-shirt, waves with a raised hand.
Nico Williams with the national team | @nicolas_williams9

Barça Loses the Race for Nico Williams

Nico Williams has been an attractive option for Barça for some time. His connection with Lamine Yamal in the Spanish national team has caused excitement among the fans. The possibility of seeing them together at Camp Nou was a dream for many.

But the reality is different. The conversations between Barça and the player's camp didn't come to fruition. The high financial demands and the club's strategy have complicated the signing.

Athletic Club has not facilitated the operation either. Their intention has always been to retain the player or sell him to the highest bidder. In this context, Barça has not been able to compete with other offers.

Two smiling footballers in white and blue training uniforms from a team sponsored by Silbö Telecom.
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal | @rfef

A Million-Dollar Contract Takes Him Away from Camp Nou

While Barça was analyzing the situation, other teams seized the opportunity. Several major European entities have inquired about the player in recent months. One of these clubs has been the quickest and most determined, making an offer far superior to what Barça was willing to offer.

The sports project, economic stability, and ambition of the club have convinced Nico Williams. After analyzing all the options, the player has made a definitive decision.

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

The winger was clear that he wanted to take a step forward in his career. Although his priority was to stay in Spain, the proposal he received changed his plans.

His next destination will be a top-level league, where he can grow and compete for titles. The financial offer has also been key in his decision.

At Barça, the news has been an unexpected blow. Laporta and Deco were confident that there were still chances to close his signing. But the reality is that Nico Williams already has everything agreed with his new club.

Soccer player celebrating a goal with the Athletic Club de Bilbao shirt.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9

Final Destination

The team that has managed to convince him is none other than Arsenal. The London team, led by Mikel Arteta, has made a strong bet on him.

Two men in Arsenal sportswear chat on a training pitch, one of them pointing at something in the distance.
Mikel Arteta | @arsenal

The winger will play in the Premier League next season. His speed and talent fit perfectly in English soccer. Arteta has promised him a key role in his scheme and a million-dollar contract.

Barça, meanwhile, will have to look for new options. Nico Williams was a great bet, but his future is already far from Camp Nou. Now, the Barça management will have to move quickly in the market to find a reliable reinforcement for the left wing.