Barcelona, Man United receive transfer boost as Nico Williams addresses his future at Athletic Bilbao

At one stage, it appeared almost certain that Williams would join Barcelona during the recent transfer window, with the Catalan outfit said to have activated the €55m (£47m) release clause in his contract.

However, Williams decided to remain with Athletic, as he wanted to represent the club in Europe this season, and his brother and Athletic teammate Inaki Williams recently insisted that the Spain international "does not regret" his decision.

The 22-year-old's future remains the subject of much speculation, though, as Barcelona are expected to reignite their interest next summer, while there are admirers from the Premier League in the shape of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Williams has said that any decision regarding his future will have to wait, as he is only focusing on the 2024-25 campaign and potentially leading the Lions to the 2025 Europa League final at San Mames, but his comments suggest that an exit during next summer's transfer window is entirely possible.

Barca, Man United could move for Williams next summer

"I'm not thinking about that right now," he told El Mundo. "The fans are very happy that I'm staying here and I'm very happy to be here. Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I'm very happy.

"I've always had things very clear and I think people see that. I think I'm doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, with that final in San Mames that excites us so much. That's the only thing that matters now."

Williams also admitted that he was "surprised" to be booed by some Barcelona fans earlier this season when it became clear that he would be remaining with Athletic.

"I was surprised, I'm not going to lie. But I didn't give it much importance because when you go to a rival's field it's normal for people to whistle at you, but this time it was personal," he added. "It's not a big deal, I think that's also fun as long as it's not insulting. Being whistled at is the essence of football and I take it pretty well.

Williams "surprised" by negative reaction from Barcelona fans

"In the end, you have to live with it. Football works like this, with many interests from clubs, the media, the players... and there is always noise. It is neither bad nor good, it is what it is and it does not affect my performance. I continue doing the same job that I have done until now.

"On a personal level, there have also been tough times in which you stop to think about many scenarios and it is difficult, but I have an incredible family and friends who support me. I want to think that this will not happen to me every summer."

Williams has made a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign, only managing one goal and one assist in nine appearances in all competitions, but he has been dealing with injury issues early in the season.

The forward is not currently a part of the Spain squad featuring in the UEFA Nations League due to a hip problem, while he was also recently forced to miss a La Liga game against Celta Vigo with an ankle issue.

However, an impressive 2023-24 campaign saw him manage eight goals and 19 assists in 37 matches for Athletic, before scoring two goals and registering one assist at Euro 2024 to help Spain win the trophy.