Nico Williams Snubs Barcelona in Stunning U-Turn: Rashford Transfer Given Fresh Hope

In a dramatic turn of events that has shaken the summer transfer window, Spain international Nico Williams has signed a new long-term contract with Athletic Club until 2035, ending months of speculation linking him with a high-profile move to Barcelona. 

The Catalan giants, led by sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta, were confident they had convinced the 22-year-old winger to join the reigning La Liga champions.  

Reports even suggested Barça were prepared to activate his €58 million ($68.3m) release clause and had begun financial preparations for the move.  

Deco publicly stated that Williams had expressed a strong “desire to join” the Camp Nou outfit, while Joan Laporta reiterated the club’s willingness to make the transfer happen. 

But in a shocking twist on Friday, Athletic Club announced that Williams had not only turned down Barça’s offer but signed a fresh deal, reportedly increasing his release clause by over 50%.  

The winger made his decision known in a powerful video posted on Athletic’s social media, spray-painting “2035” over a defaced mural of himself while declaring: 

“When you have to make decisions, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I am where I want to be, with my people. This is my home. Aupa Athletic!” 

Williams’ decision comes after intense pressure from fans and fellow players. Barcelona supporters had high hopes after Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, where Williams formed close bonds with Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Pedri. Yamal, in particular, had been actively encouraging Williams to make the switch, even posting cryptic messages on social media to tease the potential transfer. 

The failed move is a major setback for Barça, who had prioritized signing a top winger this summer to reduce the workload on young star Yamal and Brazilian forward Raphinha. With Williams now off the table, Deco and new coach Hansi Flick must reassess their attacking targets. 

One name that has suddenly become more relevant is Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.The England international recently fueled speculation by saying he “hopes” to one day play alongside Yamal. 

Barcelona are now considering a loan deal for the 27-year-old, with an option to buy, especially as their financial situation makes a permanent transfer challenging. 

Rashford is currently out of favor at Old Trafford, and United are reportedly eager to offload his hefty £370,000-a-week wages. While United would prefer a full sale, they may accept a structured deal just to reduce their wage bill.  

Along with Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are on United’s priority sales list as the club works to balance the books. 

Meanwhile, Rashford has other suitors. Newcastle United are believed to be keeping tabs on the situation, with manager Eddie Howe seeing the forward as a potential reinforcement for their Champions League campaign, especially as interest in Alexander Isak intensifies from Arsenal and Liverpool. 

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce has also joined the transfer frenzy, tabling a £15 million bid for Sancho, another sign of United’s potential summer overhaul. 

As for Barcelona, their failure to sign Nico Williams might force them to double down on the Rashford option. With Flick looking for players who can slot across the front three and offer reliable depth, Rashford’s versatility is appealing, especially if they can negotiate favorable loan terms. 

Still, the sting of losing Williams, a player who seemed destined for the Camp Nou, will linger. Barcelona now face the tough task of rebuilding their summer strategy from scratch, and Rashford may be their next big gamble.