Although getting him seemed very difficult, FC Barcelona kept Nico Williams as their top priority target throughout this summer transfer window. The Catalans have been trying to reinforce their attack in this window, and the younger Williams brother was their most preferred option.
However, the Spanish winger has very strong roots at Athletic Club, and getting him out of that team would have been a formidable task for any side. Barcelona had the advantage of having some of his friends from the international side in their squad, but Nico might also have been concerned with the financial conditions of the club.
The Athletic Club winger has a good friendship with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Alejandro Balde, who are all of a similar age to him. Another Barcelona player with whom he might have a good relation could be the defender Inigo Martinez, as they spent a short time together at the Basque club before the center-back moved to the Blaugrana side.
The two players greeted one another with affection during the game between Barcelona and Athletic Club, and the winger might also have contacted Martinez to discuss a potential move to Barcelona this summer.
As Diario AS has reported, the defender also spoke on the subject of Nico’s move to his side after the match against Athletic, and made it clear to the winger that he will always be there to support him:
“Nico is going to keep growing, whether it’s with another team or with Athletic, either is fine. The decision will always be his. [I will] support him in whatever he needs at any moment. All the best.”
Flick also had a brief interaction with Nico after that match, and later explained that he had only congratulated him for winning the EURO 2024. But with Nico already having such a good relationship with the Barcelona dressing room, Cules will be even more desirous of seeing him play for their team one day.
