“I’m 22, All That Noise Affects You” – Nico Williams Opens Up on Barcelona Speculation

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**SPORTGLITZ**

**BARCELONA**

**“I’m 22, All That Noise Affects You” – Nico Williams Opens Up on Barcelona Speculation**

**By Our Team | April 19, 2025**

Nico Williams, winger for Athletic Club, has openly discussed how the intense speculation around a possible transfer—especially links to Barcelona—impacted his form earlier in the season. At only 22 years old, the Spanish international has had to handle a wave of media focus and rising expectations following his standout showings during Euro 2024.

**Media Attention Weighed Heavily**

In a conversation with Cadena SER, Nico acknowledged that the talk of a potential move to Barça negatively influenced him more than people might have realized:

“Everything that happened around me affected me. There were people who didn’t understand and criticised me, but that’s part of the football narrative.”

He continued, expressing how tough it was to cope with:

“I’m a 22-year-old kid. All that noise affects you, you don’t know how to handle things… at first, I was a little upset and pissed off, for want of a better word.”

**From Difficulties to Drive**

Though the season began slowly for him, Williams has found his rhythm again, becoming a vital contributor in Athletic Club’s Europa League campaign. His goal that secured victory against Rangers signaled a shift in how he’s channeling the outside pressure:

“With all the love from the whole team and the fans, I’ve grown and played my best football.”

He also spoke about the team’s mindset with a potential Europa League final at their home ground approaching:

“We’ve turned the pressure of being able to play a final at home into motivation.”

**Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Cooling, Arsenal Still in Play?**

While earlier reports linked him to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, those clubs are said to have withdrawn interest. However, Arsenal is still viewed as the frontrunner to land the promising winger. As Athletic prepares to face Manchester United in the semi-finals, both Nico and his brother Iñaki will be vital if their team hopes to reach a historic final at San Mamés.

For now, Williams remains focused on finishing the season strong—though his upcoming summer could still bring another major turning point.

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