Nico Williams was the hot transfer last Summer and gained more international exposure following the EURO2024. Despite that, few suitors were found outside Spain, with Barcelona looking to sign the youngster. His chemistry with Lamine Yamal would have allowed for a seamless adaptation at the club. However, the move never materialised as Barça could not guarantee his registration.
This Summer, Barcelona’s board have been firm about players who refused to join in the past: they will be declared persona non grata and will not be given a second chance. What’s next for Nico Williams?
Bilbao and the Basque Loyalty
Players who’ve been raised in Bilbao’s academies are famously difficult to snatch. Youngsters are given responsibilities from an early age, in the understanding that Athletic Club are a Basque club only. Few transfers are out or ingoing, with not many exceptions to be found.
The one or two Basques who left abroad have been welcomed with hostility upon their returns, especially when leaving for another Spanish club. Exits are rarely considered, with most players more than happy to represent the best team in the region.
How is Nico Williams not a Barcelona player yet?
This guy is pretty much friends with the entire Barca squad pic.twitter.com/39nU9IVreT
— Brian (@Bri_an2) June 8, 2025
The Williams brothers do not quite qualify, one might say. Born in Navarra (a neighbouring province), some Spanish voices have argued that they would not meet the criteria. However, the older Williams brother, Iñaki, has been the club’s faithful servant for so long that he can be considered an honorary Basque. He, too, received several offers from Europe’s elite clubs, which he turned down.
His little brother, Nico, seems to have taken a similar path, refusing Barcelona despite all the noise. This ship has sailed now, however, and he’ll not be given the benefit of the doubt. In all likelihood, the Spaniard will spend his entire career at Bilbao.
A Local Hero
Local heroes are rare nowadays. Most youngsters eventually end up moving to a bigger club, with better finances (and often better infrastructure). However, in recent years, the traditional elite have suffered from mismanagement.
It made it less attractive for young stars to move there, whether in Spain or in England. Barcelona had everything to offer to Nico Williams, but it wasn’t enough due to their financial situation. One of the most important reasons was that Williams was not guaranteed to be playing right away.
The grass is not always greener on the other side
At Barcelona, he would have been an additional one. Another youngster, whose breakthrough depended on many other factors beyond the sporting aspect.
He would have to compete with Raphinha for the left-winger spot, despite having a different profile. Such competition brings uncertainty, which most youngsters at Nico’s age (22) are not ready to accept.
Nico Williams vs Roma 🥵#UEL pic.twitter.com/86qzRWwzUI
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) June 7, 2025
It would be a different story at Athletic Club. His decision to stay has not gone unnoticed by Athletic Club fans, famous for their unique passion and familiar sense. Nico Williams broke through Athletic Club’s ranks last season, establishing himself as not only the best winger of the team but one of La Liga’s brightest on the left flank.
The Champions League is back in Bilbao
It’s a distinctive opportunity to become a local hero, in a team that will dispute the Champions League, for the first time in ten years. For a side like Athletic Club, this is a unique achievement. Ernesto Valverde’s team demonstrated they’re capable of European heights, reaching the Europa League semi-finals.
They lost to Manchester United with a big goal difference, influenced by Dani Vivian’s suspension. In La Liga, Athletic Club ended in fourth place, suffering a few defeats at San Mamés. There has never been a better time to become a local hero for Athletic Club.
Security First
Most clubs face ownership issues. Foreign investors in England and Italy often lead to damaged institutions, taking the money instead of investing in the club. Spain have fewer examples of foreign owners, but those they had were also problematic (Espanyol, Málaga, Valencia, Real Valladolid).
Most successful dribbles in the past two La Liga seasons:
◎ 231 – Lamine Yamal
◎ 154 – Nico Williams
◎ 147 – Vinícius Júnior
◎ 130 – Takefusa Kubo
◎ 121 – Alberto Moleiro pic.twitter.com/dH4yQro2MO— WhoScored (@WhoScored) June 5, 2025
Spanish owners in Spain have often failed to impress, too, as seen in the case of Levante, Deportivo Alavés or Real Zaragoza. Athletic Club are one of the few clubs to have rarely faced such institutions, despite claiming fewer trophies than Spain’s top three.
In a time where players have become commodities, Nico Williams has a unique opportunity to become a Basque hero. His name is already known on the international stage, and he cemented his legacy in EURO2024.
Just because many of his friends are in Barcelona, it doesn’t mean he should move away from Bilbao. A fanbase loves him more than anyone, in the belief that he will be thankful for this relationship and play his part.
A Lifelong contract in Bilbao
With Bilbao, Nico Williams has come to a point of no return. He’s decided to stay in the Basque mountains, one of the most beautiful provinces in Spain.
Nico Williams x Lamine Yamal pic.twitter.com/7ZKolyHdYp
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 8, 2025
He’ll have the security of never being treated wrongly, with anyone likely to take his spot in the starting XI. He also gets to play with his brother, which few can dream of. Football, at the end of the day, is more than a game. It’s about the emotions and the family that this club have become for him.
After nurturing Nico and his brothers for so many years, the best the younger brother can do is stay and build a unique legacy. It can be tempting to join the biggest clubs and dream of the most money.
The world needs to see Nico Williams at Barcelona. We need to see him play alongside Lamine Yamal. Those in charge should lower their egos. #SignNicoWilliams pic.twitter.com/Jqvizta6vF
— TLM (@TotalLeoMessi) June 7, 2025
On the other hand, it may be better to stay and become a club hero, with the knowledge of what to expect. Bilbao have become his home for so many years, a unique city between the sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky Basque mountains.
