Barcelona will reportedly reignite their interest in Nico Williams next year, with the Catalan giants refusing to give up their pursuit of the Athletic Bilbao forward.
The 22-year-old, who played a vital role in Spain winning Euro 2024, was widely expected to make the move to Barcelona during the recent summer transfer window.
Hansi Flick's side allegedly activated the €58m (£49m) release clause in his Athletic deal, only for Williams to turn down the chance to make the switch to the Catalan team.
However, according to SPORT, Barcelona will try again for Williams in 2025, with the forward only promising to remain at San Mames until the end of this season.
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Barcelona 'to return' for Williams in 2025
The report claims that Williams will not be signing an extension with his Basque team, and it is highly likely that he will be on the move during next summer's transfer market.
Williams has made 126 appearances for Athletic in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and registering 26 assists in the process.
The forward enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign for the Lions, scoring eight goals and registering 19 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.
Williams then played a vital role in Spain winning this summer's European Championship, scoring twice and providing one assist in two appearances, including a goal against England in the final.
The forward has also featured four times for Athletic this season, but an underwhelming start has seen the Basque side pick up just four points from their opening four matches.
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Will Williams leave Athletic next summer?
Williams will play in the Europa League for Athletic this season, and the fact that the final of the competition is at the club's San Mames Stadium is believed to have played a big role in his final decision.
However, it is incredibly difficult to imagine the Spain star remaining with the Red and Whites beyond next summer.
Barcelona will be the favourites to sign him, but it would not be a surprise to see huge interest from the Premier League in the shape of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Matt Law
