Real Madrid has shocked the football world with a historic offer: 200 million pounds and a five-year contract to secure Nico Williams, the young Athletic Club star and one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football. However, what seemed like a deal impossible to refuse took an unexpected turn when Nico responded to Florentino Pérez’s offer with just nine words, sending FC Barcelona fans into a frenzy.
According to sources close to the player, Nico Williams was contacted directly by Real Madrid representatives in early June. The club reportedly saw him not only as an opportunity to strengthen their left flank with youth, speed, and passing, but also as a way to stay ahead of the competition before his market value increases even further after Euro 2024.
However, the player’s reaction was not what Real Madrid’s board expected. In a private conversation, later leaked by a journalist close to Barça, Nico reportedly said: “I will never wear white; my heart is always blaugrana.” These nine words, full of emotion and determination, quickly circulated on social media and in sports media, sparking a wave of enthusiasm among Barça fans, who consider him a priority signing for the club’s future.
Nico Williams’s response was not only interpreted as a resounding rejection of Real Madrid, but also as a declaration of intent toward FC Barcelona. Although he is not currently a member of the Catalan club, his gesture has been received as a show of loyalty to Barça’s values and style, and there are even rumors that Deco, the Blaugrana’s sporting director, has already initiated formal contacts to bring him to Camp Nou this summer.
Meanwhile, in Bilbao, the news has generated mixed feelings. Many Athletic Club fans celebrate the player’s loyalty, while others fear his departure to Barcelona is imminent. Nico’s contract with Athletic remains in effect, but his release clause, estimated at €60 million, is affordable for major European clubs.
Florentino Pérez, for his part, has declined to comment publicly on Williams’ rejection, although within the club there is talk of “surprise and disappointment” at the player’s refusal, especially considering the magnitude of the offer presented.
With this episode, Nico Williams not only reaffirms his personality on and off the field, but also becomes a symbol of a new generation of footballers who prioritize their values, their football identity, and their convictions over money and fame. The summer isn’t over yet, but one thing is clear: Nico has already won the hearts of Barcelona fans without even wearing their shirt.
