Barcelona dealt transfer blow as rival team's director says Barca target is 'very happy' at current club

Athletic Club's director Mikel Gonzalez has finally given his opinion on the contract situation of Barcelona's target Nico Williams. In an interview with Movistar, he insisted that Williams is happy at his current club and he won't move to Barca in the ongoing transfer window.

Although it looked like Barcelona would have Nico Williams at one point in time, recent reports have suggested the complete opposite. The winger has been handed the No. 10 jersey by Athletic and came off the bench for their opening game of the season against Getafe on August 15.

“Nico has a contract until 2027, he already renewed last season. He is very happy at the club, he is a great player and he has proved it at the European Championship,” commented Mike Gonzalez (via Barca Universal).

The Athletic Club director also explained that the rumors surrounding the player are solely because of his quality and performance in the recently concluded Euro 2024.

“He has shown that you can achieve the maximum at Athletic and at the national team level. There has been a lot of noise, which you never like when they talk about your players, but when you have players of Nico’s level, it’s normal for these things to happen,” continued Gonzalez.

However, many reports have claimed that Barcelona have still not given up the hope of signing the 22-year-old prodigy. It is also interesting to note that Barcelona will face Athletic Club in their second La Liga match on August 24.

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Barcelona's potential summer transfer window target helped Spain win Euro 2024

Nico Williams was instrumental in steering a young Spanish side to beat juggernauts like France, England, Germany, and others and win the Euro 2024 just a month ago. The Athletic Club forward was a menace on the left side of the pitch and bamboozled defenders with his express pace and elegant ball control.

He scored two goals and provided a solitary assist for La Roja in Euro 2024. One of his most memorable moments for the young winger was the opening goal he scored in the Euro 2024 final against England. Barca winger Lamine Yamal cut into the center and delivered a perfectly weighted ball for an approaching Nico Williams to slot into the net.

The Spaniard also scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games across competitions for Athletic Club during the 2023-24 season. He helped them win the Copa del Rey, which was their first trophy in 40 years.