- Barca were keen to sign Nico Williams
- Spaniard had terrific EURO 2024 campaign
- Club insider reveals real reason why he didn't join
getty'There was not much we could do' - Barcelona deny they failed to sign Nico Williams due to registration concerns
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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
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GettyWHAT HAPPENED
Barcelona's pursuit of Nico Williams was one of the sagas of last summer. The Blaugrana did everything in their power to pair Lamine Yamal with Williams after they performed so well for Spain during their EURO 2024 triumph.
They did not, however, manage to close the deal and instead chose to sign Dani Olmo, who is currently one of the standout figures of Hansi Flick's side. Now, the real reason why the Athletic Club winger ultimately did not arrive at Barca has finally been revealed.
AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
For a long time, the most widely accepted version of the story surrounding the failed signing was that the Spanish international chose to remain in Bilbao because Barcelona couldn't guarantee his registration with La Liga, given the club's well-known issues with complying with the salary cap. However, a source close to Barcelona's leadership has refuted this version, offering a much simpler explanation for why the younger Williams ultimately did not join the club.
GettyWHAT NEXT
With Raphinha at the best level of his career and a team that functions incredibly well, it doesn't seem like Barcelona need Williams anymore. However, according to Sport, the Basque native remains the club's number one priority for next summer, as they want to sign a natural left winger given that Raphinha likes playing either on the right (where Yamal is untouchable) or through the middle.
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