An insight into the bizarre way in which Barcelona learned of the decision of chief transfer target Nico Williams to reject the club has been forthcoming.
All associated with Barcelona, of course, find themselves reeling on Friday.
This comes after what looked set to be the Blaugrana’s marquee summer signing fell through almost out of the blue.
Just weeks on from agreeing on the terms of a contract to take his talents to the Camp Nou, the aforementioned Nico Williams pulled the rug out from underneath Deco and co.
This came by way of his commitment to a new long-term contract with Athletic Club.
💥 Nico Williams signs eight-year contract extension at Athletic Club, until 2035.
The red and white winger will stay the next ten seasons at the club of his heart and his release clause increase more than 50% over the previous one.#NicoWilliams2035#AthleticWIN 🦁
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) July 4, 2025
And safe to say, news of as much came as nothing short of a shock to those in the boardroom at Barcelona.
As per Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito TV, the La Liga champions – still of the belief that Nico was likely to arrive – learned of his Athletic renewal through the Basques’ social media announcement.
😯”El BARÇA se ha ENTERADO de la RENOVACIÓN por el TUIT del ATHLETIC”.
ℹ️Información de @10JoseAlvarez sobre Nico Williams.
🔴https://t.co/yU9q5V29q7pic.twitter.com/jisGAwOVqG
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) July 4, 2025
Conor Laird – GSFN