Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams was set to join Barcelona before a single text reportedly collapsed the £50million deal.
The 22-year-old was one of Europe’s hottest targets at the beginning of the summer transfer window and was coveted by Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea as well as the LaLiga champions.
Barcelona appeared to have beaten off opposition to acquire the Euro 2024 winner, with sporting director Deco claiming the Spaniard has shown a ‘strong desire’ to move to the Nou Camp.
President Joan Laporta admitted they were willing to pay his €58m (£50m) release clause, while Athletic Bilbao even compained to LaLiga about Barcelona’s finances in an effort to spoil the deal.
The winger appeared destined to join Hansi Flick’s side and bolster a devastating attack that already includes Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandoski.
But earlier this month Williams backtracked, signing a remarkable ten-year contract extension at his boyhood side.
Nico Williams was set to join Barcelona before performing a stunning u-turn to stay in Bilbao
A move to Barcelona for Nico Williams would have addded their already fearsome attack
The 22-year-old would have linked up with international team-mate Lamine Yamal in Catalonia
A simple WhatsApp message was behind the stunning u-turn, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The message which reportedly collapsed the deal saw Barcelona suggesting that Williams should sever ties with agent Felix Tainta in favour of Jorge Mendes or Pini Zahavi.
Tainta has a strong relationship with the Williams family, including brother Inaki Williams, and the text is said to have sparked outrage, spelling an end to Barcelona’s pursuit.
After signing his decade long extension, Williams said there is nothing better than continuing to play at his boyhood side.
‘I think we have a very long season ahead of us,’ he said.
‘We have very ambitious titles like the Champions League, which everyone would like to play in. What could be better than doing it with the club of my life?
The winger and his family were enraged when Barcelona told him to get rid of his current agent
Sporting director Deco claimed that Nico Williams had shown a ‘strong desire’ to join Barcelona
‘I would like to continue making history here at San Mamés, with the fans, with my family, and with a lot of enthusiasm.’
He will continue playing alongside brother Iñaki Williams, who will captain Athletic next season.
‘We’ve both always dreamed of this moment,’ Williams said. ‘My brother is a role model for everyone, especially for me. I think he’s the best person to be captain, and I can’t wait to see him wearing the armband for a long time.’
