Tom Weber
Nico Williams, Athletic Club, 2025/26
© IMAGO
Arsenal and Barcelona were both interested in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams in the summer, but it was fortunate that they did not sign him, in hindsight.
The Spain star was one of the most scintillating players in world football last year, starring for Athletic Club and at Euro 2024. Naturally, this saw Williams attract plenty of attention, not least because of his attractive release clause.
The 23-year-old could have been signed for as little as €58 million (the exact fee would have varied depending on the purchasing club and taxes), but his wages proved a massive stumbling block.
As the face of Athletic Club, Williams was already earning a pretty penny even before getting a 'big contract', which would have made signing him a much more expensive operation than it appeared at first glance.
Arsenal held a long-standing interest in him, while Barcelona desperately attempted to bring him in both in the summer of 2024 and 2025. This year, Williams was pushing for a move to Catalunya, only to make a late U-turn and sign a hugely lucrative new contract in Bilbao.
Williams not the same anymore
In hindsight, it was good for both Arsenal and Barcelona that they missed out on him because he could have been a very expensive problem for them. The young winger is not the same player he was last year.
Williams already struggled with injuries, particularly an ankle problem, during the 2024/25 season, and things appear to have gotten worse this term. He is one of several high-profile LaLiga players suffering from pubalgia.
Nico Williams
© IMAGO - Nico Williams
This groin issue is also afflicting his good friend Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid recruit Franco Mastantuono. In the case of Williams, Sport reports that it might require surgery, which would see him sidelined for months.
Williams missed six games earlier in the season, including a Champions League clash against Arsenal, because of his problem, and he still appears to be in some discomfort despite now playing again.
He is no longer the explosive, impactful player he used to be. He has not recorded a goal contribution since the opening day of the LaLiga season, and it has affected Athletic Club.
Recent results have been hugely disappointing, and it has seen the Basque outfit's passionate fanbase turn on Williams and his teammates. President Jon Uriarte felt the urge to condemn supporters' 'unjustified boos' during a Members’ Assembly at the weekend.
The 23-year-old is enduring difficult times, and with Athletic Club's conservative treatment of his pubalgia not yielding positive results, he might really have to go under the knife.
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