Nico Williams’ agent, Félix Tainta, has revealed that a potential transfer for the Athletic Club winger to Barcelona collapsed due to the Catalan club’s inability to provide firm guarantees regarding his registration. Tainta also confirmed significant interest from other top European clubs, including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain, in his client.
Speaking on the Los Fulanos podcast, Tainta explained that discussions with Barcelona dated back to the summer of 2024, following the European Championship. However, the crucial sticking point was Barcelona’s failure to assure Williams that he would be eligible to play if he made the move. The agent emphasised that Williams could not risk a transfer without certainty about his registration, especially with a World Cup approaching, highlighting the player’s need for consistent game time and the ability to play immediately.
European Giants Showed Interest
Beyond Barcelona, Tainta confirmed that a host of elite clubs had expressed interest in Williams. He stated, “Barça, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, PSG… I could name them all. Everyone wanted Nico, and it’s not easy for a player to say no to all those clubs.”
It was also reported that Williams had previously turned down a move to Paris Saint-Germain approximately two years ago. At that time, the Spanish forward was reportedly considering leaving Athletic Club, driven by ambitions to compete for major trophies and explore new challenges.
Williams’ Commitment to Athletic
Despite the strong interest from multiple European powerhouses, Williams ultimately decided to remain at Athletic Club. His commitment was solidified by signing a contract extension with the Basque side until 2035. This long-term deal followed a previous three-year renewal in December 2023, which maintained his release clause and demonstrated his ongoing dedication to the club.
Tainta highlighted Williams’ loyalty to Athletic, the club where he developed through the ranks. The agent also noted that Athletic Club was kept informed about the conversations with Barcelona, indicating transparency throughout the process. While Williams had explored the possibility of a departure, recognising the sporting limits of staying at Athletic, he eventually chose to continue his career in Bilbao, a decision that underscores his strong ties to the club.