Nico Williams's signing for Barça is closer than ever. Deco hasn't led this operation, although he has given his approval. The person who has truly pushed for the club to move for Athletic Club's winger has been the locker room.
As many as six players have directly influenced the final decision. All are friends of Nico. All are committed to his arrival.
The locker room has spoken: Nico no matter what
Deco had another name in mind. His bet was Luis Díaz, the Colombian from Liverpool, a footballer with a more experienced profile.
However, the sporting director has been overtaken by the power of the locker room. The group of players with influence within the team have closed ranks around a single idea: "We want Nico."
The turning point was the month Nico Williams spent with the Spanish national team. According to "AS", during that training camp the pact was finalized.
Nico has made friends within Barça and has connected as if he had spent his whole life in the Barça locker room. That chemistry hasn't gone unnoticed.
The six friends who want him in blue and red
Who are those six friends? According to internal sources, they are Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Balde, Gavi, and Raphinha. Especially Balde, who is more than a friend, he's a brother.
All have shared a locker room with Nico in La Roja or have met off the field. Even Raphinha, who could see his minutes reduced if the Athletic player arrives, has supported the signing. This gesture shows the impact Nico has had on his teammates.
Pedri considers him ideal for Barça's style. Lamine Yamal sees in him an ideal partner to alternate wings.
Fermín and Gavi praise his intensity. Balde already sees him as a left-side partner. Raphinha has shown his generosity with the group.
Nico fits both on the field and as a person
At 21 years old, Nico Williams has matured a lot. What he experienced at the Euro Cup has changed his mentality. He has gone from being a fun prospect to a player with the ambition to make history.
His connection with Barça's young players is total. That has convinced Joan Laporta that, above technical criteria, the locker room must lead.
The decision has already been made: if the numbers add up, Nico will be a Barça player this summer.
His release clause is around €58 million. There won't be negotiations with Athletic, which won't make things easy, doesn't allow payment in installments, and wants the money up front.
Deco gives in... because the locker room has won
Deco accepted with resignation. It's not that he doesn't like Nico, but his plan was different. The pressure from the locker room leaders has been stronger.
In the new Barça, the group decides. The group wants Nico Williams.