Barcelona’s transfer window has already taken a number of unexpected twists as the club scrambles to rebuild its squad under financial constraints and mounting pressure from fans.
The Catalan giants remain intent on reinforcing their attack this summer, with several high-profile names being considered to add pace and flair on the flanks.
While Luis Diaz remains the preferred option, Barca are also keeping tabs on Marcus Rashford, who is eager to leave Manchester United and has shown a strong willingness to reduce his wages to secure a Camp Nou switch.
But as new targets come into focus, one high-profile saga has ended in bitter disappointment — and it’s a blow the club will not forget.
According to RAC1 via X, Barcelona have officially shut the door on signing Nico Williams following the winger’s surprise decision to renew with Athletic Club until 2035.
Despite weeks of negotiations and positive talks with his representatives, Barca were blindsided by Athletic’s announcement of the renewal — learning of it through the club’s official channels rather than from Nico himself.
The Catalan board had no idea that the winger was also in talks to extend his stay in Bilbao, only growing suspicious when the final stages of negotiations began to stall without clear reason.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
The frustration is heightened by the fact that it was Nico who initially offered himself to Barcelona, creating a belief within the club that the transfer was not only possible but close to completion.
Nico’s dramatic U-turn mirrors a similar episode last year, when he posed with Athletic’s new kit while quietly keeping the door open to a move to Barca — a moment that had already raised eyebrows within the Camp Nou hierarchy.
But this time, the negotiations were far more advanced, making the collapse of the deal all the more shocking and damaging.
Barca’s leadership has now made it clear that there will be no return to talks, with Nico’s decision viewed as a breach of trust and a failure to show the level of commitment expected from future signings.
With the Nico Williams chapter officially closed, Barcelona will now focus on targets who truly want to represent the badge — and who won’t play both sides in the process.
‼️NOTÍCIA @esportsrac1🎙️@RogerSaperas
📢 El Barça, sobre Nico:
NO en sabia res. Se n’ha assabentat amb l’anunci oficial.
Va començar a sospitar amb els entrebancs a l’hora de redactar l’acord.
Va ser Nico qui es va oferir. Ara les portes se li han tancat per sempre.#frac1
— El Barça juga a RAC1 (@FCBRAC1) July 4, 2025
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
