A revelation that changes everything

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta opened up about the failed negotiations with Nico Williams. To the surprise of many, he admitted that the Athletic winger was not his ideal signing. “My priority was Luis Díaz or Rashford,” he stated clearly.

The Catalan club was already in advanced talks to sign Rashford, who is now officially a Barça player, while the Luis Díaz deal was described as “complicated.” That’s when Nico’s agent stepped in to offer his client—but the terms weren’t convincing.

Nico, a backup option

Laporta explained that it was sporting director Deco who asked the club to hear out the proposal for Nico. While the Basque winger was of interest, he was never the top target. “In these cases, I trust the sporting department,” Laporta said.

However, the deal collapsed once again—just like it did last year. “There was a big gap between what we were told and what it really was,” Laporta noted, referring to agent fees, payment schedules, and other demands from Nico’s camp.

The signing that never happened

With Nico Williams renewing his contract with Athletic Club until 2035 and his release clause increasing significantly, Barça drew a line in the sand. According to Laporta, Deco gave a 48-hour deadline to complete the deal on their terms… but it never materialized.

And so, the winger was ruled out once more. Despite his name making headlines for weeks, it’s now clear that Luis Díaz and Rashford were always higher on Barça’s wish list.