Nico Williams won't play for FC Barcelona. After going back and forth so much during last summer transfer window, this option has been completely ruled out for Barça. So much so, that both parties consider it finished. Joan Laporta is focused on other operations and the Athletic Club player has been given the green light to find a new destination, as his good friend Lamine Yamal knows well.
Although Nico Williams's first option was to play for Barça after this season in Bilbao, the reality is that this is considered a broken deal. At the moment, the most real possibility for the Spanish international is to head to the Premier League, where he has aroused the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool. They are willing to pay his 58-million-euro release clause, but there's one of the two ahead.
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that, at this moment, Nico Williams's future seems to be very close to Liverpool. Given the possible departure of Salah, the Reds have activated the operation for the winger from Athletic Club, having the money to take him immediately. However, Nico has been very clear with all those interested: he won't leave Bilbao until next summer.
Barça Has Another Priority: Nico Williams is Ruled Out and Lamine Yamal Knows It
With Nico Williams ruled out, it seems that Barça aims to go for another winger. The chosen one is none other than Rafael Leão, the Milan striker. The approval of his agent, Jorge Mendes, is expected to carry out an operation that could reach 60 million euros.
Barça hopes that if his relationship with Milan continues to deteriorate, Rafael Leão can be released on the market at a more affordable price. Deco has indisputable experience in complex transactions and ability to identify opportunities in the market. Therefore, hewould be ready to act if the opportunity arises.
For now, the Barça board will continue to closely monitor the outcome at San Siro, waiting for the conditions to be met to reinforce the attack with a star transfer. What's clear is that the option of Nico Williams has lost a lot of steam. Now he is even looking for a new destination, with Liverpool being very interested in taking him immediately.