Federico Chiesa has not been included in Liverpool’s 29-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, raising fresh questions about his future at Anfield. The Italy international, who struggled to break into Arne Slot’s plans last season, was a surprise omission despite scoring in a 5-0 friendly win over Stoke City just hours before the squad departed.
Nico Williams snubbed an offer from Barcelona earlier this summer as he decided to sign a fresh long-term contract with Athletic Club. The Spanish winger stunned the world when he announced that he had penned a 10-year deal with his boyhood club. The news came as a major blow to the Catalans, who were desperate to sign the 23-year-old.
Nico Williams has finally opened up on why he chose to reject a transfer to Barcelona in favour of signing a new contract with Athletic Club. The Catalan giants were very close to signing the winger this summer, however, the 23-year-old eventually decided to stay in Bilbao as he committed to a new ten-year deal that will keep him at San Mames until 2035.
La Liga president Javier Tebas finds himself at the center of fresh controversy following claims that he may have deliberately hindered Barcelona’s attempt to sign Spain international Nico Williams this summer. The shocking accusation comes amid reports that confidential financial data relating to Barcelona was shared with Athletic Bilbao officials, allegedly swaying Williams’ decision to remain at his boyhood club.
Barcelona were running out of patience with Nico Williams and his agent before the Spain international commited his future to Athletic Club by signing a new long-term contract. Williams was once again closely linked with a move to the Blaugrana this summer after transfer talks broke down last year, however, the winger eventually penned a new Atheltic Club contract which runs until 2035.
Jude Bellingham gave a brutal response as Nico Williams snubbed a move to Barcelona in favour of an Athletic Club stay. The Spanish winger infuriated the Camp Nou hierarchy after choosing loyalty over glamour after he turned down a high-profile move to the Blaugranas and instead penned a long-term extension with his boyhood club.
Athletic Club pulled a fast one on Barcelona for the second year running as the Basque club announced that they had tied down Nico Williams to a 10-year contract. The Spain international had been linked with a move to the Catalan side this summer with personal term reportedly having been agreed. However, the club had been waiting to achieve 1:1 with La Liga's financial rules before making the move.
Barcelona have been rejected for the second year running by Athletic Club's Nico Williams as the Spain international has signed a new deal with the Basque club. The 22-year-old seemed certain to move to the Catalan side this summer after weeks of rather talks between Barcelona and the player's camp. The Spanish winger has now signed a 10-year deal with Los Leones.
Barcelona have been aggressively pushing to bring Athletic Club winger Nico Williams to Camp Nou, but the operation has hit multiple snags, mainly surrounding financial regulations and registration guarantees that the player has demanded. Although there remains hope of reaching an agreement, Marca suggests that the challenges involved are greater than initially anticipated.
Barcelona are keen on signing a left-winger this season as Hansi Flick has demanded another starter on the left-side with plans to shift Raphinha to the No. 10 spot. They are fully invested in striking a deal for Nico Williams, however, their deal has now hit a snag and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is re-emerging as an option for the Blaugrana.
Nico Williams’ long-anticipated transfer to Barcelona is now in serious doubt, with frustrations mounting. Despite the player's desire to join the five-time Champions League winners, ongoing issues around registration guarantees and financial constraints for the Catalan side are threatening to derail the deal for the Athletic Club winger altogether.