Nico Williams has rejected Barcelona for the second time as the transfer collapses due to Financial Fair Play and registration issues.
The move follows a report on Friday, July 4, 2025, that Barça had ended its pursuit of the player despite agreeing on personal terms and a salary reduction.
Prior to that move, Deco, the club’s Sporting director, met with the player’s agent last month to discuss a potential transfer and other formalities.
The 24-year-old winger was ready to join Barcelona and reduced his salaries after alerting Athletic Club that he wished to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Fans of Bilbao were dissatisfied with Nico’s decision and vandalised his mural, putting his move to Barcelona on hold.
Another reason that contributed to Nico Williams’ failed move to Barcelona was when his agent was also optimistic to get full assurance from the 2025 La Liga winners regarding Nico’s registration into the squad should he sign for the club.
Barcelona’s attempt to sign Nico Williams at Camp Nou next season was unsuccessful after the player signed a new long-term contract with Bilbao on July 4, 2025, keeping him with the club until June 2035.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the agreement includes a new release clause worth 50% more than the previous one at €58 million, as well as a pay boost.
“When it comes to making decisions, for me the most important thing is to listen to your heart”— I am where I want to be, with my people. This is my home” – Nico said as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
🚨❤️🤍 BREAKING: Nico Williams signs new long term deal at Athletic Club until June 2035!
The agreement includes new release clause for +50% compared to €58m previous one and salary increase.
⛔️ Barcelona deal OFF due to registration issues. pic.twitter.com/Ew5odMQqzL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2025
This caused Barcer to shift their focus, reigniting their interest in Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz a few months after holding out on a deal to capture him from Anfield.
According to close insiders, the club is planning a new attempt on Diaz for the coming days/weeks, although signing the Colombian forward would be difficult due to his high asking price.
However, Luiz Diaz who is currently on Barcelona’s transfer list including Marcus Rashford as alternative players has a market value estimated to be around €70.00m as of July 2025 according to TransferMarkt.
For now, let’s wait for Barca if they can trigger his buyout clause after failing to lure Nico in addition to their upcoming campaign season.
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SOURCE: hellovybes.com
