Barcelona Confirm Pursuit of Athletic Club Star as Deco Details Transfer Plan

Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the club’s long-standing interest in signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club, as talks over a summer transfer progress.

Williams, who has impressed with consistent performances for club and country, has attracted significant interest from several European heavyweights including Arsenal and Bayern Munich. However, Barcelona now appear to be in pole position to secure the 21-year-old winger’s signature.

The Catalan club are said to have agreed personal terms with Williams, who was widely expected to leave Athletic following a strong campaign. While he chose to remain in Bilbao for another season, his departure this summer is now seen as increasingly likely.

In an interview with La Vanguardia, Deco confirmed that the club’s interest in Williams has been part of a long-term strategy. Addressing speculation that his signing may be influenced by his friendship with fellow Spain international Lamine Yamal, Deco clarified that the decision is strictly professional.

“We’ve always had the idea for Nico,” Deco said. “The fact that they’re friends is fine, but we’re not going to brand him that way. This isn’t a club of friends; we come here to work.”

Williams would offer valuable depth and creativity on the flanks for Barcelona, complementing the youthful energy already present in the squad. With Deco’s public confirmation, the move now appears to be edging closer, as the Blaugrana continue their push to strengthen ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.