Nico Williams Opens Up About Transfer Rumors and Early-Season Struggles
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has admitted that the heavy transfer speculation—especially rumors linking him to Barcelona—took a toll on his form at the beginning of the season. The 22-year-old, who rose to prominence during Euro 2024, has had to cope with growing expectations and intense media attention.
Media Hype Became a Burden
Speaking to Cadena SER, Nico shared how difficult the situation became:
“Everything going on around me had an impact. Some people didn’t understand and criticized me, but that’s part of football.”
He explained that the scrutiny was hard to deal with at his age:
“I’m just 22. All that noise gets to you. I didn’t know how to manage it… At first, I was frustrated and, frankly, a bit angry.”
From Pressure to Performance
Although his start to the season was shaky, Williams has since found his rhythm, becoming a key figure in Athletic Club’s Europa League campaign. His goal that sealed the win against Rangers is a testament to his return to form.
“The support from my teammates and the fans helped me grow. I’m now playing some of my best football.”
Looking ahead, he’s optimistic about the prospect of a final at San Mamés:
“We’ve turned the pressure of possibly playing a final at home into pure motivation.”
Transfer Update: Arsenal Leading the Race
While earlier links to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG have cooled, Arsenal are now considered front-runners to sign the Spanish international. As Athletic Club prepares for a Europa League semifinal showdown with Manchester United, Nico and his brother Iñaki are expected to play vital roles in the team’s pursuit of a historic home final.
For now, Nico is staying focused on the pitch—but a big summer move could still be on the horizon.
“I’m Just 22—It Got to Me”
Nico Williams didn’t shy away from admitting how tough the early season was due to transfer speculation:
“I’m a 22-year-old kid. All that noise affects you. You don’t know how to handle it… I was upset—pissed off, for lack of a better word.”
Fueling the Fire
Despite the rocky start, Williams has turned the pressure into motivation, becoming a key figure in Athletic Club’s Europa League journey. His decisive goal against Rangers was a turning point:
“With the support of my teammates and the fans, I’ve grown—and I’m now playing my best football.”
Looking ahead to a potential Europa League final at San Mamés, Nico shared the team’s mindset:
“We’ve turned the pressure of playing a final at home into motivation.”
Transfer Rumblings: Arsenal Lead the Chase
With Barcelona, PSG, and Bayern Munich cooling their interest, Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners for Williams this summer. But first, he’s focused on helping Athletic overcome Manchester United in the semi-finals—alongside his brother Iñaki—as they chase a historic home final.
