Why Barcelona Passed on Signing Nico Williams
The Catalan club has closed the deal to sign Athletic Club forward and will now explore other options in the market.
Barcelona has decided to withdraw from negotiations with Nico Williams, the Athletic Club forward, due to the "lack of response from the player."
According to sources within the club, Barcelona will now look for alternative options in the market.
The Catalan club had set a deadline of this past weekend to make a decision. "There has been no response," sources involved in the negotiations told EFE.
With less than a week until the start of the season, Barcelona has pressing needs in the forward line that cannot be delayed. "We can't wait any longer," club sources stated.
A few weeks ago, Barcelona began talks with Williams' agent to lay the groundwork for a contract. However, the club was surprised by a video posted on Athletic's social media showing Williams printing the number 10 on his jersey, which seemed to signal his intention to stay with the Basque club.
This video was released on the day Williams returned to training.
Although Barcelona was exploring financing options for the deal, the lack of a clear stance from Williams, who appears likely to remain with Athletic, has led the club to halt the operation.