Spain international Marc Cucurella says the fear of not getting registered for the upcoming 2025/26 football campaign prevented Nico Williams from joining Barcelona.
The talented winger turned down Barcelona for the second time to continue his trade at San Mames. Williams penned a contract that will keep him at Athletic Bilbao until summer 2035.
Williams faced a wave of criticism from the Catalan club after a making a U-turn to stay at Athletic Bilbao.
However, his national teammate Marc Cucurella has stepped in to defend him, citing registration issues for the failed move.
The Chelsea defender suggested that Williams was simply scared by the possibility that he might not be registered by Barcelona, despite all their assurances.
“I don’t think that’s the case. I think he was just afraid that he wouldn’t be registered. If Barcelona came for me… I don’t know… And what if they can’t register you—what do you do then? Even if they promise they’ll register you, these days I don’t trust anyone,” Cucurella said in an interview with Gerard Romero.
Williams is expected to play a huge role for Athletic Bilbao in the upcoming 2025/26 football campaign. The Spanish outfit will be competing in three major competitions next season following their qualification back to Europe after long-term absence.
Athletic Club will open their La Liga season with a home game against Sevilla as Nico and Inaki aim to impress.
