Nico Williams tells Athletic Club to let him go as winger feels he is the perfect fit for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and feels hurt by vandalised mural

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, the winger has no intention of accepting the lucrative renewal offered to him by the Basque club and is determined to leave, as he believes he would be an ideal fit under Hansi Flick at the Catalan side.

The 22-year-old’s current contract at Athletic runs until 2027, and the Basque club have criticised the Catalans for their attempts to sign him. However, ever since his mural was vandalised in Bilbao, Williams, who was deeply hurt by the event, is not in the mood to stay. He has offers not only from Barca but also from German giants Bayern Munich, who have offered him a greater deal compared to the Catalans. However, with known faces and friends from the Spanish national team at Barca, like Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Alejandro Balde, Williams has opted to choose them, as he deems himself a proper fit under Flick’s system.

Williams won Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team and delivered 18 goal contributions - 11 goals and seven assists - for Athletic last season.

Williams will now look up to how Barca financially fit him in their structure, as they would have to offload someone in order to accommodate him.