Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has opened up about how persistent transfer rumors, especially those linking him to Barcelona, affected his performance at the beginning of the season.
At just 22 years old, the Spanish international found himself under intense media scrutiny after impressing at Euro 2024, and the pressure weighed heavily on him.
Media Scrutiny and Emotional Strain
In a conversation with Cadena SER, Williams shared how the constant attention surrounding a possible move to Barcelona negatively influenced his mindset and performances. He confessed that the situation took a toll on him emotionally and mentally:
“Everything happening around me had an effect. Some people didn’t understand and were critical, but that’s just part of the game,” he said.
The winger further explained how difficult it was to deal with the speculation at such a young age:
“I’m just 22. All the noise gets to you. You’re not sure how to deal with it… Initially, I was really frustrated and upset.”
Overcoming Adversity and Rising Again
Despite the rocky start, Williams has managed to regain form and become a key contributor to Athletic Club’s campaign—particularly in the Europa League. His goal that sealed the victory against Rangers highlighted a turning point, where the pressure started to fuel his performances instead of hindering them.
He credited the support from teammates and fans as instrumental in helping him push through the tough period:
“With all the love from the team and the fans, I’ve grown and played my best football.”
Williams also shared the team’s approach toward the possibility of reaching a Europa League final on home soil:
“We’ve transformed the pressure of potentially playing the final at home into something that drives us.”
Transfer Speculation: Arsenal the Frontrunner
While earlier reports suggested interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, those clubs have reportedly cooled their pursuit. Arsenal now appears to be the leading contender for Williams’ signature.
However, his focus remains on the present, with Athletic set to face Manchester United in the semi-finals. Both Nico and his older brother Iñaki Williams will be vital in their team’s push to reach the historic final at San Mamés Stadium.
For now, Nico remains committed to finishing the season on a high, though the upcoming summer may yet bring a significant new chapter in his career.
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