Barcelona top target all but confirms he is continuing at current club

In what could be a crushing blow for FC Barcelona, their priority transfer target, Nico Williams has all but confirmed that he will continue at Athletic Club this season.

The 22-year-old Spanish international has been at the top of the Catalans’ wishlist this summer, with the club even tabling a contract proposal while waiting for a green light to activate his €58 million release clause.

However, Nico, who also turned down PSG this summer, appears to have decided to stay put at Athletic Club for at least one more season.

Indeed, following his return to Bilbao after his vacation, the winger showed up to training at Athletic Club’s facilities earlier than scheduled, showing his commitment and indicating he might continue with the Basque outfit.

Set to continue at Athletic Club. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Not only that, upon returning to training, the younger Williams brother dropped a huge hint that he will stay with Athletic Club, as he said (h/t Fabrizio Romano):

“I’m back! I’m really looking forward to this season. Vamos, Athletic!”

Barcelona had been holding out hope that they could still sign Nico despite growing pessimism around the move in the past few days.

But today’s developments all but spell an end to their chances of securing the UEFA Euro 2024 winner’s services in the current transfer window.

The Blaugrana, though, are not ruling out returning for Nico Williams again next summer, provided his €58 million release clause remains intact and is not increased.

For now, though, it appears like Nico will remain an Athletic Club player in the upcoming season, forcing Barcelona to up the ante in their pursuit of Dani Olmo.

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-top-target-all-but-confirms-he-is-continuing-at-current-club/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2024-08-06 08:45:55

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