Why Barcelona target Nico Williams has been left off Athletic Club’s latest squad list

An explanation for the absence of Nico Williams from the latest matchday squad list unveiled by La Liga outfit Athletic Club has on Friday been provided.

And the news will likely come as a source of disappointment for supporters of rivals Barcelona…

Athletic are set to bring a close to the club’s pre-season fixture list on Saturday, when they make the trip to Germany, for a meeting with Stuttgart.

This afternoon, the list of players called up by Ernesto Valverde and his coaching staff for the matchup was in turn revealed across social media.

And the headline talking point stemming from as much, as alluded to above, was the exclusion of that man Nico…

So, what gives?

Is wide-man Nico’s absence owing to an imminent departure, potentially for chief summer suitors Barcelona?

Unfortunately for those of a Blaugrana persuasion, it would appear not…

As per a report from Diario Sport, the 22-year-old has remained behind in Bilbao with the intention of resting up ahead of the new campaign.

Williams was late returning to training with Athletic this week owing to his endeavours at Euro 2024, with no risks being taken by the Basque outfit ahead of next weekend’s season opener against Getafe.

Conor Laird | GSFN