Achraf Ben Ayad has weighed in on the ongoing rumors linking Nico Williams to Barcelona, providing some clarity on the club’s actual stance. While the young Athletic Club winger has frequently been mentioned in connection with a move to Camp Nou, Ben Ayad clarified that Barcelona is not actively pursuing his signing at this time.
Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams is real, but not prioritized.
Ben Ayad stated that, despite Nico being a name often floated in the media, the club decided some time ago—notably after a Champions League clash with Dortmund—that they would not pursue him in this window. - Joan Laporta recently reaffirmed this position in a public interview, confirming that Williams is not currently their first-choice option for the left wing.
- However, the door is not fully closed.
According to Ben Ayad, Nico remains highly valued internally at the club for several reasons:- He’s young and talented.
- A Spanish international who already knows many Barça players.
- His release clause is reasonable compared to other top talents.
- No final decision has been made, and the situation remains fluid. Barcelona may return for Nico depending on how their other transfer priorities develop during the summer window.
Ben Ayad concluded by emphasizing that Williams is one of several wing options Barcelona is monitoring, and while he’s not the club’s top target, his name is still on the table — though fans shouldn’t expect imminent movement unless circumstances shift.
In short: Nico Williams to Barça isn’t ruled out, but it’s not close either.
