Nico Williams brother set to play crucial role amid Barcelona talks - Reports
Inaki Williams, brother of Athletic Club and Spain star Nico Williams, is reportedly set to play a key role in Nico's potential move to Barcelona. The Spanish winger has been on the wishlist of multiple clubs this summer, with the Blaugrana, in particular, keen to land him.
Barcelona struggled last season, narrowly beating Girona to second place in La Liga after a disappointing campaign. Their struggles could be attributed to the quality of their attack, as the likes of Ferran Torres struggled with injuries.
Nico Williams has shown a great deal of promise over the past year, helping Athletic win the Copa del Rey and finish fifth in the league before winning Euro 2024 with Spain. His form has caught the eyes of multiple sides in Europe, with Barcelona at the front of the queue.
One man is set to be key in deciding whether Williams moves to Catalunya, and that's his older brother Inaki Williams. The Ghana international has been at Athletic all his life, and Mundo Deportivo reports that he's encouraging his 22-year-old brother to remain at the club.
Inaki and Nico have played together at the club since the younger Williams made his club debut in 2020. The older brother made his debut six years earlier and is now one of their most iconic players.
Barcelona are yet to receive a clear directive with regards to the decision of Nico Williams this summer despite multiple reports. The youngster has returned to Bilbao for pre-season but may decide to shun a move to Hansi Flick's side.
The Blaugrana have their sights on other alternatives as well, including Bayern Munich forward Bryan Zaragoza, if the Nico Williams deal doesn't work out. They have a verbal agreement with the representatives of Williams but may miss out on him.
Oriol Romeu leaves Barcelona on loan
Experienced midfielder Oriol Romeu has left Barcelona to re-join their Catalan rivals Girona in a season-long loan deal, the club has confirmed. The Spaniard leaves just one year after joining them from Girona.
Romeu was signed as a low-cost replacement for Sergio Busquets, particularly after impressing for Girona. The veteran midfielder turned out to be a misfit at the club, struggling to get meaningful minutes for most of the campaign.
The former Chelsea and Southampton man will now spend the 2024-25 season back at the Montilivi. Girona will play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time this season.