In the world of soccer, transfer rumors tend to circulate constantly. One of the most talked-about topics lately is Real Madrid's supposed interest in Nico Williams, the young star from Athletic Club. However, according to sources close to the situation, Nico himself reportedly clarified to his friend and teammate Lamine Yamal that the white club's interest was never real.
This revelation comes amid a great deal of speculation. Last week, the newspaper Marca published that Real Madrid was pursuing Williams. But Josep Pedrerol, host of El Chiringuito, denied this supposed interest. According to Pedrerol, it would all be a strategy by Athletic to facilitate the player's sale this summer.
Nico Williams and the reality
"Real Madrid's interest in Nico Williams never existed," Pedrerol stated. According to him, Athletic wants to place their player and has created a false interest to attract buyers. He also pointed out that both the club and the footballer are open to negotiating a departure.
Meanwhile, it is known that Nico Williams wants a change of scenery. After the disappointment suffered in the Europa League, with the elimination at San Mamés, the player feels ready for a new challenge. He is clear that he wants to leave Athletic, a club that has already become too small for him.
The forward dreams of a winning and more ambitious project. In that sense, he seems to prefer FC Barcelona. At the Catalan club, he has several friends, including Lamine Yamal, with whom he keeps a good relationship both on and off the field.
However, Barça don't see Nico as a priority. The young player's numbers aren't enough to convince the sporting management. He has played 43 matches this season, scored 10 goals, and provided 7 assists. In total, he has directly participated in 17 goals, figures that are far from the records of other Barça wingers.
For comparison, Lamine Yamal has played 55 matches, with 18 goals and 22 assists, totaling 40 direct goal contributions. Meanwhile, Raphinha has shined with 57 matches, 34 goals, and 25 assists, reaching a total of 59 goal contributions.
Barcelona are looking to strengthen the wing with a winger who can compete at the level of Yamal and Raphinha. For now, Williams doesn't meet those expectations. His media image is strong, but his statistics don't support it.
In this scenario, Nico's "train" to Barça seems to have passed. Joan Laporta doesn't plan to insist on him again. Instead, the club is looking to the Premier League for alternatives such as Marcus Rashford or Luis Díaz.
Meanwhile, Nico's agents are trying to open other doors within Spanish soccer. The priority is to find a team where the player can keep growing and show his value.