Nico Williams transfer decision CONFIRMED as Spain star parties with Lamine Yamal

Robin Bairner

5 Aug 2024 12:02 BST
4 min read

Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Spain, Euro 2024 — © IMAGO

Nico Williams will stay with Athletic Club this season, disappointing a range of suitors from all over Europe, including Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal.

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The Spain winger has been one of the most exciting players on the transfer market this summer, particularly after his stellar performances as La Furia Roja stormed to Euro 2024 success.

With a release clause of just €58 million, there were numerous clubs interested in swooping, but with his transfer fee apparently out of reach of Barcelona, who were desperate to sign him, he has elected to remain in Bilbao for one additional season.

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Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€34.2M - €57M

Partidazo de COPE reports: “Nico Williams will stay with Athletic Club for one more season.

“COPE has confirmed with an official PSG source that the player’s agent, Felix Tainta, has told them that this is the player’s decision.

“As of today, unless the player radically changes his decision, he will play with Athletic Club next season.

“PSG and Barcelona will have to look for other options.”

© IMAGO - Nico Williams shone at Euro 2024

Barcelona have been offered Manchester United winger Antony as a part-exchange deal with Frenkie de Jong, but that option has been emphatically knocked back by the Camp Nou club, who appear to have made Dani Olmo their new summer priority.

PSG, meanwhile, also have other options in the wide areas. The Ligue 1 champions are eyeing Rennes attacker Desire Doue, though the youngster seems to favour a move to Bayern Munich, while Man Utd’s Jadon Sancho is another possibility.

Lamine Yamal gives Barca an edge for Nico

All this sets the scene for what is likely to be a fierce battle for Nico Williams next summer.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal could reignite their interest in the winger, though Barcelona are likely to remain the favourites, with the 22-year-old currently favouring a stay in LaLiga.

Barca also have the trump card of Lamine Yamal in their corner.

Following Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, in which the two dashing young wingers were so central, the pair were spotted partying at a Seville nightclub together over the weekend.

With a strong bond between the players, it is thought this could be enough to lure Nico to Barcelona in 12 months - as long as the Camp Nou club can afford him.