"If I was Williams, I would never go to Chelsea" - Former Blues star urges Nico Williams to snub potential move to the PL side
Former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf has advised Nico Williams not to join the Blues this summer. The Frenchman insists that he wouldn't join the west Londoners if he was in Williams' shoes.
Williams has seen his stock rise after an excellent 2023-24 campaign with Athletic Bilbao, contributing eight goals and 19 assists in all competitions. The Spain international has shined at the 2024 Euros as well, forming a dangerous partnership with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal in attack.
Following his excellent performances, he has attracted a lot of interest in Europe and has been linked with Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. While acknowledging how great an addition Williams would be to the Blues' squad, Lebouef admitted that it would be a poor move for his career.
The Frenchman believes a player of Williams' caliber should be playing Champions League football, which the Blues failed to secure after finishing sixth last season.
Frank Leboeuf said (via FourFourTwo):
"Nico Williams would be fantastic for Chelsea - but do you think he would go to Chelsea? They don’t have Champions League football. I follow La Liga and he has been brilliant for Bilbao all season. To put it his way, if I was Williams, I would never go to Chelsea."
Leboeuf added:
"I saw so many players move to Saudi Arabia and I lost respect for them – like Ruben Neves who moved to Saudi at such a young age. I couldn't have done that and it’s a similar situation to Nico Williams. So many big clubs want him and it would be odd for him to move to a club where they are not in the elite European tournament.”
Nico Williams has earned 19 caps for Spain so far, recording three goals and six assists.
"I can say that financially we can make it happen” - Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims about signing Chelsea target
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that the club are in a position financially to secure Nico Williams' services this summer. The Spaniard admitted that he is an admirer of the 21-year-old talent linked with Chelsea.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, he said (as quoted by Fabrizio Romano):
“I like Nico, a lot. I can say that financially we can make it happen. It’s result of work that has been done over all these years to reach this point. We could, of course, face a signing of this level.”
The Blues will face stern competition from Barcelona if they want to sign Williams, who reportedly has a €50 million release clause in his contract with Athletic Bilbao.
Williams has been urged to sign for the Catalan side as well by Spain teammates Lamine Yamal and Pedri. According to some reports, Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with the left-winger.