- Williams was a long-term target for Barcelona
- Winger turned them down despite being in advanced talks
- Signed a 10-year extension with Athletic Club
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Getty Images/GoalJude Bellingham gives brutal response to news Nico Williams has snubbed a move to Barcelona in favour of Athletic Club stay
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Though Real Madrid weren’t active in the recent negotiations, they had previously explored the idea of bringing Williams to the Santiago Bernabeu. Earlier in the summer, the Madrid think tank considered him a viable candidate to potentially fill the boots of Rodrygo Goes, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal. However, that plan was quickly shelved when Los Blancos secured the services of highly rated Argentine prospect Franco Mastantuono.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA & BELLINGHAM?
After failing to secure Williams’ signature, Barcelona have reportedly identified Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford as alternative targets. Both players are seen as marquee-calibre additions who could slot into Hansi Flick's system on the left wing.
Whereas, away from the transfer drama, Bellingham will return to competitive action with Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup. The midfielder is expected to start on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund, his former club, in what promises to be a captivating quarterfinal clash.
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