Nico Williams to Barcelona 99 per cent done: Here are 3 shirt numbers he could wear at new club

Barcelona have apparently settled on number 17 for Nico Williams’ shirt, not the iconic 10 or 11 he wore at Athletic.

• Madrid-Barcelona.com reports the club confirmed “he’ll wear number 17” as a tribute to its symbolism within the squad (madrid-barcelona.com).
• Catalunya Diari reinforced that: “According to several sources, Nico Williams will wear the number ‘17’, currently Marc Casadó’s” (catalunyadiari.com).
• The Scotsman also notes multiple reports on X saying he’ll take the No. 17 shirt (scotsman.com).

That settles the question: Nico Williams is set to wear No. 17 at Barcelona.

Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of other potential numbers he was tied to!

You’re right — Lamine Yamal now wears Barcelona’s iconic number 10, meaning that jersey is off the table for Nico Williams. But there are still several symbolic and realistic options available for him once he joins the club.

Here’s a breakdown of realistic shirt numbers Nico could inherit at Barça:

✅ Number 12

• Status: Vacant since Martin Braithwaite left in 2022.
• Symbolism: Not traditionally a star player’s number, but could mark a fresh start for Nico and give him a chance to make it his own.
• Verdict: A low-profile but clean option if he doesn’t want added pressure.

✅ Number 19

• Status: Lamine Yamal’s former number.
• Legacy: Previously worn by Lionel Messi early in his career (2006–2008), as well as Munir El Haddadi and Ferran Torres.
• Poetic connection: Lamine passed the torch, in a way — and Nico picking it up could symbolize the continuation of a new era.
• Verdict: A strong symbolic choice with youth legacy.

✅ Number 17

• Status: Reported favorite for Nico.
• Currently worn by: Marc Casadó (promoted from youth), but could be reassigned.
• Previous legends: Pedro Rodríguez wore it during his prime at Barça.
• Verdict: Most likely and widely reported option — clean fit.

Other Possible but Less Likely Options:

• #14 – Currently João Félix wears it; would need to leave or switch.
• #11 – Taken by Raphinha.
• #7 – Worn by Ferran Torres, but may open up if he departs.
• #22 – Vacant, but less iconic