When everything pointed to Nico Williams's name being completely ruled out in Camp Nou offices, the situation has taken an unexpected turn. FC Barcelona has reactivated contacts with the footballer's camp, leaving the door open for a possible summer move.
The Athletic Club winger, who seemed to have his sights set on the Premier League, is now back on the blaugrana radar. Laporta and Deco have revisited the feasibility of his signing, aware that the player's profile fits Flick's team's offensive needs.
A Mutual Desire That Gains Strength Again
Despite his performance this season not reaching the levels of previous campaigns, Barça still sees Nico as a player with a lot of growth potential. His speed, dribbling, and versatility remain highly valued assets by the coaching staff and the sports management.
Another factor in favor is the player's own desire. Nico has always shown sympathy for Barça and maintains a great friendship with Lamine Yamal, something that could ease his adaptation to the locker room. The player's willingness to wear the blaugrana jersey remains intact.
One of the key aspects that has brought Nico Williams back into the culé orbit is the cost of his release clause. Athletic Club doesn't negotiate exits, but the figure is set: 60 million euros. In an inflated market, that amount is starting to seem reasonable for Barça.
Considering that other offensive targets far exceed that figure, Deco and Laporta believe that Nico's signing could better fit the club's financial possibilities. Especially if some important sales are secured in the summer.
Internal Doubts: His Inconsistency Generates Debate in the blaugrana Leadership
However, not everything is enthusiasm in Camp Nou offices. There are voices within the board that do not see the operation clearly. They argue that his current performance is far from the level expected for such a significant investment and that his lack of goals remains a major question mark.
The inconsistency shown in various parts of this campaign is concerning. Although his potential is evident, the demand at Barça is maximum, and there is no room for bets that do not offer immediate performance guarantees.
Hansi Flick will be decisive in the final decision. The German coach is involved in every market move and has already started analyzing Nico's profile with his technical team. His vision will be crucial in determining whether the player fits into the game model he plans for the next season.
If Flick gives the green light, Barça could go all out for the winger. But if he considers that the signing is not a priority or prefers a more goal-scoring profile, the operation could be put on hold again.
Barça Won't Rush
The situation has changed drastically in just a few weeks. What seemed like a closed chapter has reopened, and now Barça is considering all options. Nico Williams is back on the list of potential signings, and his camp has already been informed of the renewed blaugrana interest.
While the signing is far from closed, the Athletic player is back in the media spotlight and on the agendas of the culé decision-makers. His future, once again, remains hanging in the air.
What is certain is that the summer promises to be eventful and that Nico's name will resurface strongly in the market. Barça is preparing the moves, and the player is willing to listen. Anything can happen.