La Liga: Nico Williams prefers to stay in Bilbao this season

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is at the center of a tug-of-war between Paris Saint-Germain, Leones, and FC Barcelona. Blaugrana’s sporting director, Deco, stayed behind while FC Barcelona traveled to the United States for their pre-season tour, trying to dispel Williams’ doubts about a move to Catalonia.

Barcelona has assured they can pay his €58 million release clause, while Athletic remains confident they can keep Williams for another year. According to La Vanguardia, Williams does not intend to commit this year and is instead considering a transfer next summer. Deco is trying to convince him that now is the time to make the big leap.

The 22-year-old player will make the decision, but some signs suggest he might stay at Athletic this summer, including the promise of playing at least one season of European football with his brother Inaki Williams. Late Sunday night into Monday, reports that Williams had turned down Barcelona were not denied by his representative.

Pascal Amstrong