Things have not been easy at all for FC Barcelona during the course of the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants had a handful of positions to focus on, and only a select few targets to aim for. Unfortunately, at least so far, Barcelona have not managed to hit any of those.
While from a sporting perspective, the summer has been nearly perfect for Barça. Hansi Flick has arrived and has already had a perfect record against the likes of UE Olot, Manchester City, and Real Madrid during the pre-season friendlies. Moreover, his obsession with physical fitness continues to lead to new additions to the club’s training methods.
However, the sporting success right now does not guarantee official trophies but the arrival of a new elite addition could help the team in the long run. As it stands, there is one name that Barcelona would be more than happy to land this summer before the transfer window closes.
That name is none other than Nico Williams, the Athletic Club star who took the world by storm following his performances in the European Championship. Even beyond his excellent club campaign, the 22-year-old winger continued to showcase his elite talent on the wide flank.
However, one thing or another is keeping the player from signing for Barcelona. Despite the Catalan club’s wish to secure his arrival, the player is yet to give a concrete answer to either Barça or his current Basque club. Yet, most believe that he will likely stay at Athletic Club for next season, but there may just be one major reason behind it.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the person who is trying the hardest to get Nico to stay is his brother, Inaki Williams. A long-time player for the Basque club, the older of the Williams brothers is convinced that his younger brother can help bring European success to Athletic Club as well.
With the team competing in the Europa League this season, it has always been their big dream to compete together on the European scale with the club of their lives. Moreover, even a reported ‘promise’ was made over this by both of the brothers to each other.
As such, Inaki Williams may just be the man to blame for Barcelona if Nico Williams does end up staying. That being said, it is hardly something that can be held against the player knowing that it is about family and loyalty after all. However, it would still be a frustrating end for Barça to lose one of their top summer targets like this.
