Barcelona had been monitoring the Athletic Club winger for over a year, hoping to bring him to Camp Nou as part of Hansi Flick’s strategy to strengthen their attack. They viewed him as an ideal addition to their left wing, bringing dynamism to their offense. However, Williams has once again declined the opportunity to join Barcelona, just as he did the previous summer. This time, his decision appears final, with a major Premier League club presenting an offer that is simply too good to turn down.
Liverpool has now emerged as the leading contender to sign Williams. The Premier League powerhouse, who is currently one of the top contenders for the Champions League, has set its sights on the Athletic Club star and is prepared to make a compelling offer to secure his signature. With Mohamed Salah set to leave at the end of the season, Liverpool is looking for a dynamic winger to fill the void on the right flank at Anfield. Williams, known for his speed, dribbling, and attacking flexibility, is seen as the ideal replacement for the Egyptian forward.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties have made it impossible for them to compete with Liverpool’s offer. While Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause is within reach for many top clubs, Barcelona’s financial fair play restrictions prevent them from making the deal. In contrast, Liverpool has no such obstacles and can present a stable, competitive project that will appeal to top talent, including Williams.
The departure of Salah has been the main driving factor behind Liverpool’s pursuit of Williams. Salah, who has been a key figure for Liverpool, has confirmed he will not renew his contract beyond June. Additionally, Luis Díaz’s potential departure could further open the door for Williams to step into a prominent attacking role at Anfield.
For now, Williams remains focused on helping Athletic Club finish the season strong, with the team still in the race for Champions League qualification and progressing in the Europa League. However, his future seems to be leaning toward the Premier League, with Liverpool ready to trigger his release clause.
Barcelona, now without Williams as an option, will need to search for alternative attacking targets that fit both their style of play and financial constraints. The message is clear: Nico Williams has made his choice, and his next destination will be Anfield, not Camp Nou.
