Nico Williams’ Agent Confirms PSG and European Giants’ Transfer Interest After Euro 2024

Paris Saint-Germain pursued Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams during the summer transfer window following his standout performances at Euro 2024, according to his representative. Félix Tainta, the player’s agent, confirmed the French club’s interest during an appearance on the YouTube podcast Los Fulanos, as reported by Foot01.

Félix Tainta Confirms Paris Saint-Germain Pursuit

The 24-year-old Spain international drew widespread attention across Europe after helping his national team secure the European Championship title in Germany. Playing on the left wing opposite Lamine Yamal, Williams established himself as a central figure in Luis de la Fuente’s side. L’ailier espagnol, qui a fait l’objet d’un intérêt du Paris Saint-Germain et d’autres clubs, a été un acteur majeur du sacre de l’Espagne à l’Euro 2024 où il a notamment inscrit un but en finale face à l’Angleterre.

Following that tournament, several top-tier clubs made formal approaches. Tainta revealed that Paris Saint-Germain joined Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Liverpool in pursuit of the forward. “Everyone wanted Nico: Barça, Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… Finding a player who says no to all these teams is not easy,” Tainta said, as detailed by Foot Mercato.

Barcelona Negotiations Fall Through Over Financial Uncertainty

Despite interest from multiple European heavyweights, discussions progressed furthest with Barcelona.

Negotiations with Barcelona ultimately collapsed in the final stages. Tainta cited the club’s well-documented financial difficulties and strict salary cap restrictions as the primary deterrents, noting that the Catalan side could not guarantee the player’s registration with La Liga. The agent noted that the lack of guaranteed playing time and administrative instability made the move untenable. “We were in discussions with Barcelona,” Tainta confirmed. “We decided that, without certain guarantees, we could not take the risk that Nico would go there and not play.”

Strategic Shifts and Club Stability

While the move to Paris failed to materialize, reports suggest the club pivoted toward offensive profiles compatible with manager Luis Enrique, such as Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, and Ferran Torres. Although Williams did not join the Spanish contingent in Paris—which includes Luis Enrique, Fabián Ruiz, and others—he remains a subject of high-level interest.

The agent clarified that he kept Athletic Bilbao informed throughout the process, despite the club’s dissatisfaction with how negotiations were handled. Williams, who could have left for free in January 2024, chose to prioritize his commitment to his boyhood club.

Long-Term Commitment to Athletic Bilbao Through 2035

Rather than moving abroad or joining a rival Spanish club, Williams opted for stability. He signed a long-term contract extension that ties him to Athletic Bilbao through June 2035.

Foot Mercato noted that the player’s loyalty to the Basque club was tested even earlier, as Williams could have departed on a free transfer in January 2024 before deciding to commit his future to San Mamés. With the transfer window closed and his future secured in Bilbao, Williams remains under contract for the next decade as he continues his club campaign under manager Ernesto Valverde. As he returns to league action, the question remains regarding his physical availability, as the winger has recently been sidelined by a muscular issue, leaving his participation in upcoming fixtures against Valencia uncertain.

More on this story: Nico Williams' agent details failed Barcelona transfer talks