The Nico Williams case has become, on its own merits, one of the most disappointing sagas of the summer. After months of discreet negotiations and full confidence in his signing, Barça has seen the player renew with Athletic Club until 2035. A move that, far from being surprising, has outraged the club's sporting directors.
Deco and Joan Laporta feel betrayed by the way the operation has been handled by the footballer's entourage. They believe there hasn't been transparency or good faith. Especially after the scandalous figures the player demanded to sign for Barça were leaked.
Nico Williams with the national team | @nicolas_williams9
Impossible conditions: Barça said enough
Internal sources claim the agreement was practically closed, but everything blew up at the last minute. Nico Williams changed the agreed terms, demanding a series of privileges the club described as "unacceptable and disrespectful." It was then that Laporta gave a direct order to stop everything.
Among other things, the player demanded a guaranteed spot as an undisputed starter on the left wing, refusing to accept rotations. In addition, he wanted a multimillion-euro signing bonus for both himself and his agent. What ultimately blew up the negotiation was the salary.
Nico Williams wearing Athletic Club's jersey | @nicolas_williams9
Nico was demanding no less than €15 million net per season, with automatic performance-based increase clauses. If he won titles or met certain objectives, his salary would rise to €27 million net annually. He would, in effect, become the highest-paid player in the locker room, above Pedri, Gavi, Raphinha, and even Lamine Yamal.
Additionally, his contract had to be for at least six years, protected against any possible sale. All this, without having yet worn Barça's jersey or proven his worth at Camp Nou. The board received these demands with astonishment and anger.
Nico Williams playing with Athletic Club | Athletic Club
Laporta breaks off negotiations and closes the door
Laporta and Deco quickly agreed it wasn't worth insisting. Barça, although convinced of Nico's potential, isn't willing to jeopardize its wage structure. Even less so for a player who has shown very little outside the San Mamés ecosystem.
From that moment, Nico Williams's name was erased from the agenda. Laporta informed Flick and the locker room: there will be no more calls, nor second chances. The decision by the player and his entourage was seen as a direct betrayal of the club and the project.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9
Outside the offices, the news has also caused discomfort inside the Barça locker room. Some teammates close to the Navarrese's entourage don't understand his change in attitude. Especially after he himself offered to join Barça just a few weeks ago.
Within the squad, there is a growing sense of weariness with these types of profiles that prioritize money and status. Flick has made it clear he only wants committed, ambitious, and above all, realistic players. Nico has failed on all three counts.
Barça already has a replacement: more talent and less ego
After Nico's rejection, the sporting management hasn't wasted any time. Deco and Flick have been working for days to secure a top-level alternative, much more affordable financially. A young profile, hungry and with global star potential.
In this regard, the technical staff's favorite is now Luis Díaz, the Colombian winger from Liverpool. A footballer who has shown willingness to come, and whose contractual situation could allow for a strategic move.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams will remain in Bilbao... but no one at Camp Nou is interested anymore.
