'Nico Williams was my third choice; his agent offered him during Rashford talks' - Barcelona president Laporta

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has disclosed that Nico Williams was not the club’s top target this summer, revealing the winger’s name surfaced only after discussions for other players were already underway.

Williams, who is of Ghanaian heritage, was linked with a move to Camp Nou after his standout performances over the past two seasons.

However, the Spain international opted to extend his stay at Athletic Bilbao, signing a new deal rather than joining Barcelona.

Speaking after the club secured Marcus Rashford on a loan deal from Manchester United, Laporta explained the order of preference in their summer recruitment.

“The signing of Luis Díaz was complicated and we were in the middle of negotiations with Rashford, but Nico Williams' agent came to us offering the possibility of signing him,” Laporta said.

He added that it was Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, who insisted they consider the proposal.

“Deco told me that we had to listen to the proposal from Nico Williams' agent. My priority, in principle, was Luis Díaz or Rashford. In these cases, I always trust the sporting directors.”

Laporta further explained that financial constraints quickly emerged: “There was a big difference between what we were told and what actually happened in terms of payment terms, the agent's commission... a whole series of variables that indicated the deal wouldn't happen.”

He concluded, “Deco set a 48-hour deadline because if they didn't accept our terms, we wouldn't go through with the deal, and ultimately, the deal fell through.”

Williams, 22, will remain at San Mamés as Barcelona signed Rashford.