It was confirmed this summer that Barcelona’s management failed to secure the anticipated deal for Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao during the current transfer window to bolster their attacking lineup. Athletic Bilbao insisted that Williams would not be leaving this summer and would remain with the team until the next season, despite Barcelona’s interest.
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, Nico Williams has asked Barcelona officials, led by Laporta, to wait until next summer to sign him permanently. Williams stated that he cannot leave Bilbao this transfer period and would not join Paris Saint-Germain due to his strong desire to play for Barcelona.
The newspaper noted that while this request from Williams is understandable given Bilbao’s insistence on keeping him, some reports suggest otherwise. Some have interpreted Laporta’s comment, “We don’t need him,” as a sign that the player declined Barcelona’s offer or that there was no postponement involved.
