FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made a surprising revelation about Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao winger who was a key target for Barcelona last summer. According to football analyst Talha Ahmed, Laporta explained that Williams’ failed transfer to Barcelona was due to his strong loyalty to Real Madrid.
Williams, one of Spain’s brightest young talents, impressed during Euro 2024, drawing the attention of top European clubs. At just 22 years old, he seemed destined for a major move, with Barcelona reportedly eager to bring him in to strengthen Xavi’s attack. Despite extensive negotiations, the deal never went through, and Williams opted to stay at his boyhood club, Athletic Bilbao. Laporta’s recent comments shed light on the unexpected reason behind this decision, sparking discussions among fans.
In his podcast, Talha Ahmed shared: “I asked Laporta why Nico Williams didn’t join Barcelona. The president told me that Nico is a Real Madrid supporter.” This revelation has caused a stir online, with fans debating the impact of Williams’ allegiance to Madrid.
Despite his affection for Los Blancos, Real Madrid showed no interest in signing Williams last summer, given their already stacked attacking lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and young talents like Endrick and Brahim Diaz. It seems that for now, Williams’ potential move to Madrid is not in the cards.
For Barcelona, missing out on Williams was a disappointing setback. Laporta had viewed the winger as a crucial addition to the club’s rebuilding efforts, especially following their recent 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup. Despite the win, Barcelona’s squad depth remains a concern.
Williams’ decision to remain at Athletic Bilbao reflects his strong bond with his training club, and his loyalty to them. While he admires Real Madrid, it appears his focus is on continuing his development in Bilbao for now. His admiration for Madrid adds an interesting twist to his future career prospects.
Real Madrid fans, fueled by Laporta’s comments, have urged the club to target Williams in the future. Social media has been buzzing with Madridistas imagining the winger in the iconic white shirt. However, with defensive and midfield upgrades currently a priority for Real Madrid, a move for Williams is not on the immediate agenda.
The saga of Nico Williams adds another layer of intrigue to the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Laporta’s candid remarks underscore Madrid’s continued influence over Spanish football, even in instances like this one. The narrative of a player rejecting Barcelona due to his love for Madrid resonates strongly with both clubs’ supporters.
For Williams, his future remains uncertain. As he continues to shine at Athletic Bilbao, questions about a potential move to Madrid will undoubtedly persist. His performances for both his club and the Spanish national team will keep him on the radar of top European clubs.
As for Barcelona, the failed pursuit of Williams serves as a reminder of the challenges they face when competing with Madrid’s appeal. Laporta and his team will now need to look for alternative targets to strengthen the squad and remain competitive.
For now, the rivalry between the two clubs extends beyond the pitch, with transfer dealings adding to the intensity. The story of Nico Williams highlights the emotional and symbolic battles that define the El Clásico rivalry. Whether Williams’ affection for Madrid will eventually lead to a transfer remains to be seen, but his story is already an important chapter in the ongoing saga.
One thing is clear: Real Madrid’s allure continues to overshadow Barcelona’s ambitions. For Joan Laporta, missing out on Williams is a setback, but for Madridistas, it’s a victory rooted in sentiment. As Nico Williams’ journey unfolds, the rivalry between Spain’s two footballing giants only grows more captivating, and the debate sparked by Laporta’s revelation will continue to fuel speculation.
