Barcelona's Secret Message Forces Nico Williams to Dramatically Reverse Transfer Decision

Barcelona pressured Nico Williams to dismiss his agent during the summer transfer window after becoming increasingly irritated with their interactions with his current representative, according to a new report.

Williams had initially accepted Barcelona's offer but witnessed the deal fall through due to the Catalan club's struggles to comply with La Liga's financial fair play rules, and he decisively ended all speculation by signing a fresh long-term deal with Athletic in an unexpected turn of events.

Although Williams has maintained that his loyalty to Athletic motivated his rejection, SPORT reports suggest Barcelona may have alienated the winger through their behavior during transfer discussions.

Barcelona executives were dissatisfied with Williams's representative, Félix Tainta, whom they believed was creating unnecessary complications in negotiations and postponing a final summer transfer agreement. An anonymous Barcelona staff member reportedly sent a personal message to Williams encouraging him to sever his relationship with Tainta.

Barcelona preferred Williams to work with an agent who maintains established connections with the Catalan club, including figures like Jorge Mendes or Pini Zahavi.

This demand from Barcelona allegedly shocked and angered Williams, leading his entire family to conclude they no longer wished to engage with the La Liga title holders.

Following receipt of the message, Williams and Tainta completed a contract renewal with Athletic that same night, recording the announcement video later that day before the deal was officially revealed the following morning.

The breakdown in negotiations forced Barcelona to seek alternative attacking reinforcements, ultimately leading them to target Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Terms have been agreed to secure the England striker on an initial loan arrangement with an option for a permanent transfer.