A transfer snub that could be one for the ages, Nico Williams, destined for a new journey in Barcelona, but a last minute snub locks him down in Bilbao for the next decade. A decision fueled by heart and emotion, but deep down, he may regret it for years to come. A chance at playing for one of the world's biggest football clubs, but loyalty prevailed, but progress may have been halted.
After a long and grueling transfer debacle with Barcelona, Athletic Club’s star winger Nico Williams took a drastic U-turn at the last minute, snubbing Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, and penning an extra eight years onto his deal with Bilbao. As his release clause skyrockets from 55 million euros, to an estimated 100 million plus, Barcelona are not only left angered, but have been completely dumped out of the race, and will likely never explore the avenue again. But, being Bilbao’s new official highest paid plaster, and showing that loyalty in football is still alive, football in Bilbao for the next 10 years looks more than exciting for fans.
Williams who caught the eye of a number of prestigious European clubs this summer led a line of bidding wars, contract negotiations, and raising hopes of numerous clubs in the last few months, but after his commitment to Bilbao, it may be a decision he comes to regret. As everyone knows, Bilbao have a very unique transfer policy, specifically only signing those from the Basque country. And despite over the years this has paid off, there is only so much luck they can have. A solid fourth place finish means Champions League football ahead for Williams and Bilbao, but hopes of UCL glory, and even La Liga glory are a distant dream for a team like Bilbao, and although loyalty came first for the rising star, it may be a decision which drastically halts his legacy.
When a team like Barcelona comes calling, it is hard to say no. But with the challenge and journey of being the number one guy in Bilbao for the next decade arised for him, it was even harder to turn down such an offer from his boyhood club. But, legends, history, and class which Barcelona have in heaps is something any player of his ability should be jumping on, and after his major last second snub, the current path Barca find themselves on may be enough to bring Williams some regret in the future, and he truly could've been the missing piece of the puzzle for the pending dynasty ahead for Barcelona.
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