Blockbuster Barcelona transfer 'leaked' during kit announcement

Tom Weber

• Updated: 10 Jul 2024 19:57 BST
• 3 min read

Fans are convinced that Athletic Club have accidentally leaked Nico Williams' departure with the announcement of their new kit.

The 21-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, impressing for Spain as they marched to the final of the competition in Germany. His performances in the recent weeks have only confirmed what has been evident for years: Williams is a special talent.

Indeed, transfer speculation surrounding the winger has become increasingly intense over the past couple of months. Williams has a relatively cheap release clause for a player of his calibre as he is available for just €58 million.

This has piqued the interest of many clubs, chief among them Arsenal and Chelsea, but as Williams is already on a sizeable wage at Athletic Club, the two Premier League giants have thus far refrained from making a move.

Barcelona have thus been provided with an opportunity and they look increasingly likely to take it by the scruff of the neck.

Williams transfer leaked?

It has been thought that the cash-strapped Catalans would be unable to afford Williams this summer, but president Joan Laporta insisted just a few days ago that this was not the case.

After publically expressing his interest in the player, Laporta claimed that the Blaugrana are capable of acquiring the youngster. A torrent of reports ensued, with Spanish media claiming on Wednesday morning that the player had already consented to a switch to Catalunya.

Speculation has now been further stoked by Williams' conspicuous absence from Athletic Club's launch of their kit for the 2024/25 season. His brother Inaki was present in the promotional content, as was Spain's No.1 Unai Simon, so Williams' no-show can't simply be put down to his being at Euro 2024.

Based on this, fans of both clubs have thus convinced themselves that Williams is on his way to Barcelona. Regardless of whether this is actually true or not, it is clear that we have not yet heard the last of this saga.