The football world is witnessing surprising developments regarding Nico Williams’ future, following his summer decision that dramatically altered the course of his career. The Spanish international had the opportunity to join some of Europe’s giants, most notably Barcelona, with whom he was virtually in talks, before shocking everyone by renewing his contract with Athletic Bilbao. This move stunned Joan Laporta and Deco, and his perceived betrayal of the Catalan club is unlikely to be forgotten.
Time has since shown that the decision was a sporting mistake. Athletic Bilbao failed to deliver on their promises, both in terms of ambition and competitiveness, despite offering a salary increase. The club is struggling across all competitions, having practically been eliminated from the Champions League and currently sitting eighth in La Liga, meaning they will miss out on European competitions next season.
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The crisis deepened with the departure of coach Ernesto Valverde at the end of his contract on June 30, further complicating the club’s prospects. In contrast, Barcelona presents a vastly different picture, enjoying a remarkable winning streak at Camp Nou, clinching the La Liga title mid-season, and remaining strong contenders for the Champions League despite stiff competition from teams like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Williams himself has struggled for consistent playing time, which has raised concerns, especially in light of recurring injuries affecting Rafinha Diaz, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski throughout the season. The player now hopes to regain his form in the coming months, particularly with an eye on the 2026 World Cup, where he is expected to be included in Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish national team squad.
However, a return to Barcelona appears highly unlikely. According to the newspaper Sport, Nico Williams is no longer on the club’s list of potential signings due to his perceived betrayal, his current €95 million price tag, declining form, and recurring injuries. Even Hansi Flick does not currently see a need to bring him in, leaving Williams with the daunting task of rebuilding his career and restoring his lost confidence.
