Nico Williams focused on Athletic Bilbao after Barcelona transfer saga

Athletic Bilbao and Spain-born Ghanaian star Nico Williams was heavily linked with a summer move to Barcelona, with President Joan Laporta stating that the Catalan club was prepared to meet his release clause.

However, the transfer never materialized, and Williams was greeted with whistles from Barcelona fans during Athletic Bilbao’s 2-1 loss to the club in August.

Despite the intense transfer speculation, Williams is now fully committed to Bilbao.

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

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

Williams, after an injury-hit preseason, has a goal and an assist in his nine appearances so far this season.