Barcelona has officially closed the door on Nico Williams after his contract renewal with Athletic until 2035. What seemed like a done deal has ended with an unexpected rejection that has unsettled the club's leadership. The player will double his salary in Bilbao and has definitively ruled out wearing the blaugrana jersey.
The frustration within the club is deep, especially because of how the process was handled. Internal sources state that the footballer's entourage felt disregarded by the sporting management. He was offered a proposal without clear registration guarantees and with leaks about other names.
Nico himself and his agent interpreted that they were no longer Barça's priority. Meanwhile, the locker room also didn't fully support his possible arrival. In fact, some key players expressed doubts about his tactical fit and competitive character.
Nico Williams wearing Athletic Club's jersey | @nicolas_williams9
Raphinha, pointed out for torpedoing the deal
One of the strongest voices against Nico Williams's arrival was Raphinha. The Brazilian opposed adding direct competition in his usual position. He argued that his performance last season gave him the right not to lose prominence.
His words reached both Hansi Flick and Deco, and caused discomfort in the offices at Ciutat Esportiva. Barça, aware of the imbalance that could arise from both wingers coexisting, began to cool down the deal. Meanwhile, a new name emerged that has gained ground.
With Nico already out of the picture, the focus has shifted to an alternative that is highly valued internally. But the most curious thing about the case is that this option has the full backing of one of the locker room's biggest figures: Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha | @FCBarcelona
Luis Díaz, Lamine Yamal's chosen one
According to this outlet, Lamine Yamal has expressly requested that the top signing priority be Luis Díaz. The Colombian winger from Liverpool is highly regarded by the young academy product, both for his playing style and his ability to link up. He believes that his profile fits much better with what the team needs.
Lamine thinks Díaz can create synergies from the left without invading his usual area on the right. In addition, he sees him as a more experienced player, with Champions League level and without the personal tensions that arose with Nico. His opinion has been key in guiding the new market direction.
The sporting management also values this possibility very positively. Although his signing wouldn't be cheap, Liverpool is willing to negotiate given his desire to leave. Díaz wants to play in Spain, and Barça is willing to try.
Exit operation... and blockbuster signing at Bayern
Meanwhile, another name that had been on Barça's table is heading to Bayern Munich. This player, tracked by the Catalan club for months, seemed to fit perfectly into Flick's new scheme. However, his arrival would have meant sacrificing several current players... Lamine wasn't convinced either.
Club sources state that both Deco and Flick were in favor of the deal, but the lack of consensus stopped it. The player, aware of Bayern's interest, ended up prioritizing the Bavarian project. In Germany, he has been offered a starting spot, top salary, and a more stable environment.
This move has definitively closed any option of him joining Camp Nou. Bayern, after selling Leroy Sané, needed a new offensive leader and made a strong bet. They've succeeded.
Rafael Leão with AC Milan | @iamrafaeleao93
Yes, the protagonist of this multi-million euro signing is none other than Rafael Leão, AC Milan's star. The Portuguese international has been transferred for a figure close to €110 million. His arrival at Allianz Arena marks a new statement from Bayern after losing several offensive references.
At Barça, this deal is no longer a concern. With Leão out of the equation, Nico ruled out, and Díaz as the priority, planning is moving forward. The club believes that now, the new winger to accompany Lamine will be chosen by consensus... not by media pressure.
