Nico Williams drops HUGE transfer hint after 'saying YES to Barcelona'

Cameron Smith

12 Aug 2024 13:00 BST
3 min read

Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona — © IMAGO

Nico Williams has officially become Athletic Club’s new number 10, hinting that he will snub Barcelona to remain at the club this summer.

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The Spain international, who shone at Euro 2024, is Barcelona’s priority summer transfer target, while Arsenal and Chelsea are both known admirers too.

However, Williams now looks set to stay at Athletic Club after taking the No.10 shirt, which had become vacant following Iker Munian’s exit at the end of June.

The 22-year-old had previously worn the No.11 shirt, but Alvaro Djalo will wear that number moving forward, while Williams will don the No.10 jersey.

After confirmation of his new shirt number, Williams said: “I’m proud to get the shirt number 10 from Muniain and to make history as he did.”

Barcelona blow

News of Williams’ new shirt number at Athletic Club comes after sensational reports that he has told Barcelona he wants to join them this summer.

Despite the recent acquisition of RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo, Barca remain determined to sign Williams as they look to bolster the forward options available to Hansi Flick.

© IMAGO - Nico Williams with Lamine Yamal

Furthermore, Spanish outlet Sport have reported that Williams has told Barcelona officials that he wants to join the club this summer.

However, his new shirt number at Athletic Club suggests that he is unlikely to leave the club before the 2024 summer window closes.

Williams scored five goals and provided 11 assists in LaLiga last season, while he added a further eight goal contributions in six Copa del Rey appearances.

The Spaniard’s current contract at Athletic Club runs until 2027, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €49.6 million. However, the Spanish giants will only allow him to leave if his €58m release clause is paid in full.