Barcelona ‘no longer interested’ in long-term target

Barcelona have seemingly pulled out of the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.

Athletic Bilbao versus Real Madrid Nico Williams Athletic leaves the field injured / IMAGO / Action Plus

Spain’s EURO 2024 was a very special squad that included a lot of the upcoming ‘golden generation’ in Spanish football.

Even though Pedri and Gavi both missed the tournament due to injuries, Barcelona were very well represented with the likes of La Masia graduate and current Barca player Dani Olmo, as well as the Golden Boy Lamine Yamal. 

Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres were also a part of the European Championship-winning side that beat England in the final. 

Despite all of these Blaugrana stars, one player really impressed in the tournament and was subsequently linked very heavily with a move to Barcelona. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. 

Williams, who is best friends with Yamal, was reportedly very interested in joining the Catalonian side, unfortunately, due to financial restraints, the club could not afford his wages and €60million release clause. 

Barcelona make Nico Williams decision

Even though the Blaugrana could not sign him previously, it was expected they would return next summer, unfortunately, that no longer seems to be the case.

According to Mundo Deportivo, via Managing Barca, Barcelona are no longer interested in signing the 22-year-old winger.

Despite his young age, Williams is on €200k per week and whatever side he joins he will most likely want a wage increase. 

With Deco trying to sort out Barca’s inflated salary structure, signing another player who will demand top wages seems unlikely unless they are already world-class. 

Another reason the Blaugrana could have pulled out is due to Williams’ links with Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool. 

Joan Laporta has managed to get the club back to 1:1, however, Barca still seem far away from competing financially with England’s top clubs.

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