Barcelona top summer target reveals how Yamal, Balde made his decision difficult – ‘They didn’t help’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s last summer transfer window did not see the club linked to a whole lot of players given their financial situation. After all, Joan Laporta and Co. decided to focus all their available margin to bring in one or two big names.

Dani Olmo was one player who was on the team’s wishlist who arrived and has shone at the club. The other big target was Nico Williams.

The Basque star was the team’s primary target in the window, especially as the management felt the need for a dynamic and pacey left-winger.

Fresh off his exploits in Euro 2024, Nico was the prime candidate but he never finally arrived.

Nico speaks on Barcelona’s interest

Speaking at a recent event (h/t SPORT), the Athletic Club winger was asked to reveal the truth behind what unfolded in the summer and whether he was indeed considering a move to Catalonia.

“It was difficult. On top of that, the b*****ds of Lamine, Balde and all these people didn’t help,” Nico Williams said jovially, revealing how his compatriots at Barcelona pestered him to join.

Nico and Yamal are close friends. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

The winger was then asked what the Barcelona stars used to ask him on a daily basis and told him to influence his decision.

“‘Come now, brother, come now!’ They didn’t help, they didn’t help,” he said.

Finally, the presenter asked him if indeed the Barcelona players were in touch with him on a daily basis, and he admitted to the fact being true.

“Yes, yes, at all hours. And I answered them ‘I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you’. I didn’t reveal anything, I just talked to the family and that’s it.”

While Nico’s failed transfer was initially seen as a disappointment in Catalonia, it is safe to say that it is now a forgotten debacle especially given how the team have started the new season.

Despite the Spanish star not arriving to reinforce the left-flank, Barcelona’s Raphinha has taken it on himself to step up in that position and is one of the world’s best players this season playing in that role.

However, Barcelona retain an interest in Nico and are expected to make a move for him again in the summer of 2025, provided he does not sign a new contract at Athletic Club.