Barcelona is still looking for a new attacking addition this summer, and winger Nico Williams of Athletic Club is firmly in the past. The Catalan team was unable to persuade Williams and his representative that he would be registered without any problems, but a note delivered to the Basque player helped the agreement fall through.
The main cause of the negotiating collapse was Barcelona’s inability to ensure Williams would be registered without any problems by the end of the summer. Barcelona stalled discussions after agent Felix Tainta insisted on a clause that would have allowed him to go for free if he wasn’t registered.
The 22-year-old was eager to join Barcelona, and they had stated that they could fulfill his €58 million release clause, but that they needed some time to work out their salary cap problems once more. The Barcelona team, however, believed that agent Tainta’s demands, not Williams’s roadblocks, were to blame for the halt in progress.
Nico was set to join Barcelona before a stunning u-turn to stay in Bilbao
The 22-year-old would have joined Lamine Yamal, his international teammate, in Catalonia. The remarkable u-turn was caused by a straightforward WhatsApp message, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Barcelona apparently suggested in the message that Williams should cut his relationship with agent Felix Tainta in favor of Jorge Mendes or Pini Zahavi, which ultimately led to the deal’s breakdown.
Tainta has a close relationship with the Williams family, especially brother Inaki Williams. According to reports, the text caused a stir and put a stop to Barcelona’s ambitions. Williams stated that playing for his hometown team is the best option after agreeing to a ten-year agreement.
He stated, “I believe we have a very long season ahead of us.” When Barcelona ordered the winger to fire his existing agent, he and his family were furious. “Nico Williams has demonstrated a strong desire to join Barcelona,” said Deco, the director of Sporting.
“I want to keep creating history here at San Mamés, with my family, the supporters, and a lot of energy.” He will play with his brother, Iñaki Williams, who will be Athletic’s captain the following season.
