Barcelona target Nico Williams drops hint on his future at Athletico Bilbao
Barcelona target Nico Williams appears to be prepared to remain at the San Mames after changing his shirt number at Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish winger has been on the radar of the Catalan giants for much of the summer, with a move reportedly close to completion at one point.
Williams lit up La Liga in the colors of his boyhood club, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists in 31 league appearances for the side in the 2023-24 season. The Spaniard continued his fine form with the national team, scoring two goals and providing an assist as La Roja won the Euros this summer.
Athletic Bilbao are keen on keeping their star forward this summer, having handed him a contract extension during the 2023-24 season. The Basque club have also handed the 22-year-old the number ten shirt for the 2024-25 season, upgrading him from his previous number 11 jersey.
Williams replaces club legend and former captain Iker Muniain as the number ten at the San Mames after the winger left the club. The 32-year-old is reportedly set to join Argentine giants River Plate as a free agent, having spent the entirety of his professional career so far with Athletic Bilbao.
Muniain made 560 senior appearances for Athletic Bilbao, scoring 76 goals and providing 70 assists for the club. The winger won the Spanish Super Cup twice and the Copa del Rey in his final season at the club.
Barcelona remain interested in signing Nico Williams this summer and the Spaniard is said to be interested in a move. The young winger will be open to remaining at Athletic Bilbao, as he is under contract until 2027.
Barcelona captain leaves club after contract expires
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has left the club, ending his 18-year stay at the club. The Spanish international made his professional debut for the club in November 2010, having previously been in the club's academy.
Roberto played 373 times for La Blaugrana, going on to captain the club during the 2023-24 season after Sergio Busquets left the club. He scored 19 goals for the club, winning 25 major trophies in his time at the club.
Sergi Roberto has been on the radar of multiple sides this summer since it became apparent that his contract would not be extended. The versatile midfielder ranks in 23rd place in the club's all-time appearance list alongside club legend and former manager Luis Enrique.