Barça tried but failed to sign Nico Williams this summer. The reason was the impossibility of registering him in La Liga.
And given Barça's performance this season, the failed negotiations with Nico Williams were a success. The reason for this is that Raphinha, the player who takes the Basque's place, is getting on with Flick.
Barça Reminds Nico Williams he's much more than Athletic
Meanwhile, Barça is comfortably leading the table being ten points ahead of Nico Williams's Athletic in just nine games. And that's possible despite the fact that Williams had been told in Bilbao that signing for Barça would mean going down a division.
But he knew what he was doing. The Champions League is not the same as the Europe League, even though finals are played at San Mamés. It would take a lot of faith to believe that Athletic will make it.
The fact is that Barça is becoming what Nico Williams imagined it to be. He's not giving up and his desire to become Lamine Yamal's teammate remains intact.
When Williams and Barça agreed to split, given the impossibility of selling Araújo while injured, as well as being able to register Nico, they said goodbye until next season.
As soon as he arrived in Bilbao, Nico Williams stressed to leave no doubts: "I'm staying in Bilbao for another year." No more, no less.
That's what's happening: One more year in Bilbao and then he will try to sign for Barça again.
The Homework Joan Laporta Gave Him
Laporta told Nico Williams that if he still wanted to sign for Barça he shouldn't thake the bait from San Mamés. He should reject any offer of a renewal or improvement of contract. In addition and as a priority, He shouldn't touch the 58-million-euro release clause so that it remains enforceable next season.
And that's what Nico Williams has done. He hasn't taken a single step to consolidate his position at San Mamés. Instead, he's left everything hanging in the air. That way, by the time the season ends Barça can deposit his 58 million-euro release clause and take him to Camp Nou.
His friend Lamine Yamal is following the developments closely. He trusts that Nico Williams will continue to make it easy for Barça to sign him next summer.