Nico Williams “looking forward” to new season at Athletic Bilbao amid Barcelona transfer rumors

Nico Williams is back at Athletic Bilbao. Following his vacation after winning Euro 2024 with Spain last month, the winger returned to his current club to begin preseason preparations with the Basque side on Tuesday, and he sent a message to Athletic fans that seems to be a pretty clear indication of his plans for the future in the midst of his heavy links with a move to Barcelona.

“Hello, Athletic fans! I’m already back, and very excited for this season. Vamos Athletic!”, was Nico’s message to Bilbao fans in what appears to be the most clear sign yet that Williams has decided to stay at Athletic for at least one more season.

For a while it appeared that Nico’s move to Barça was only a matter of time, but the tide turned in recent weeks as Williams began having doubts about Barça’s ability to register his contract coupled with his desire to keep playing with his brother Iñaki in Bilbao.

Athletic boss Ernesto Valverde gave a very confident answer when asked if Nico would stay last week, and now the player seems to confirm his coach’s story as well. Reports from Catalonia say Barça have not completely given up on the deal, and have assured Williams they can register him and the doors remain open if there’s a change of heart on Nico’s part.

But as time goes on, and as Barça are ready to make Dani Olmo their major signing of this summer transfer window, it looks as though Nico won’t be joining the Blaugrana after all.