Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly has one big reservation about signing Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
He believes Williams’ arrival could take a toll on the harmony in the Barca dressing room.
So, despite the Spaniard being cheaper and younger, Liverpool forward Luis Diaz remains Barcelona’s preferred option for the summer.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta Thinks Signing Nico Williams Could Hurt the Dressing Room
Barcelona are reportedly in the market for a left-winger this summer, with Nico Williams and Luis Diaz emerging as transfer targets. They even made an offer for Diaz, but Liverpool turned it down, stating the Colombian was not for sale.
After the rejection, Barcelona should have veered towards Williams. But according to journalist Santi Ovalle (via Carrusel Deportivo), Joan Laporta is not fully convinced. He is seemingly wary of Williams’ close friendship with Barcelona star and most valuable player in the world, Lamine Yamal.
🚨🇨🇴 La opción favorita en el Barça sigue siendo la de LUIS DÍAZ | @santiovalle
⚠️👀 Laporta duda con NICO WILLIAMS porque habría demasiado amiguismo en el vestuario: busca una relación más profesional
🦁🔝 Nico es MÁS BARATO, MÁS JOVEN y ENGANCHA MÁS pic.twitter.com/O2TBP3Oh67
— Carrusel Deportivo (@carrusel) June 15, 2025
He believes this friendship could lead to sub-groups forming in the dressing room. Laporta wants the Barca dressing room to be united by professionalism, not interpersonal relationships.
The president wishes to avoid the mistakes of the previous era, when Barca earned the nickname “Club de Amigos” due to the multiple cliques inside the club. Things went swimmingly when they were winning, but the dressing room suffered when results took a dip.
Hansi Flick Likes Nico Williams
While Joan Laporta’s concerns are valid, Barcelona are unlikely to let one concern get in their way of signing Nico Williams. Many inside the club believe the 22-year-old has good relationships with many members in the squad, not only Lamine Yamal.
Additionally, coach Hansi Flick is a fan of the winger and has already spoken with him. The German tactician would have no issues accommodating him into his system.
Barca Failed to Sign Nico Williams Last Summer
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is one of the most highly-rated players in LaLiga. He is exceptionally quick off the mark, is a brilliant dribbler, knows how to pick his passes, and scores some fine goals.
Barça fans are actively donating money to fund Nico Williams’ transfer 🤣💰 pic.twitter.com/664bih8KBa
— 433 (@433) June 14, 2025
Barcelona have long been credited with an interest in Williams. In July 2024, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he liked Williams “a lot” and the club had the financial means to sign him.
Laporta told Catalunya Radio (via ESPN):
“Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams.
“Nico’s a player I like — I like him a lot. We are working with [new coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on.”
The move, however, did not pan out, and Williams stayed put for one more season.
According to reports, Barcelona must pay Williams’ €62 million release clause in full to sign him from Athletic Bilbao. The Spain international, however, could make it easier on Barca’s wallet by lowering his wage demands.
