Williams reveals how 'B*STARD' Yamal tried to lure him to Barcelona

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Nov 2024 06:53 CST
3 min read

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

Nico Williams has joked about how the 'b*stards' Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde tried to convince him to join Barcelona this summer.

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The Athletic Club winger was one of the protagonists of the summer transfer window. Coming off a spectacular Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, Williams was one of Europe's hottest properties.

Due to being fitted with a €58 million release clause, many clubs considered the possibility of signing him, though his wages and the overall cost of the transfer scared off the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Barcelona, however, had no such concerns - despite their delicate financial situation - and made Williams their top target. Ultimately, the Blaugrana were disappointed, with Williams deciding to remain with his boyhood club for at least another season.

The Catalans ended up signing Dani Olmo instead, but speculation surrounding the future of Williams persists.

Williams jokes about Barca 'b*stards'

Speaking to La Revuelta about this summer's protracted transfer saga, the 22-year-old joked about how good friends and Spain teammates Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde tried to recruit him for Barcelona.

Dealing with the incessant speculation “was difficult," Williams said. "On top of that, the 'b*stards' of Lamine and Balde and others didn't help. They would say to me ‘brother, come now, come now.’”

“It's difficult to distance yourself from that. I still get messages despite not being linked. It's a bit of everything. Many people say ‘go to Barca’ and others say ‘we don't need you anymore.’”

Barcelona still view Williams as a top target should they decide to strengthen the wide position next year, but it is no longer considered a pressing issue given the form of Raphinha.

Williams remains highly rated despite a slow start to the season. Injury troubles and a lack of fitness following his long summer with Spain have restricted him to just two goals and two assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.