Williams rejected a move to Barcelona last week and signed a new long-term contract with Athletic Club.
Jude Bellingham says he is unbothered by Barcelona’s failed pursuit of Nico Williams, insisting the winger’s decision to stay at Athletic Club has no bearing on Real Madrid’s business.
Williams rejected a move to the Camp Nou last week and signed a new long-term contract with Athletic Club. The deal, which reportedly includes a €100 million release clause, came as a blow to Barcelona, who had been confident of finalising a deal.
It’s the second successive year Barcelona have fallen short in their attempts to lure Williams to Catalonia. Despite initial optimism from club executives, the Spain international opted to commit his future to Bilbao.
When asked about the failure of Real Madrid’s rivals to acquire an asset they had been pursuing for months, Bellingham said: “I don’t care. It’s something that doesn’t affect Real Madrid. So, I don’t care about it. It’s not Real Madrid news.”
Madrid had previously considered Williams as a potential candidate to strengthen their attack, especially amid speculation linking Rodrygo with a summer move to Arsenal. However, their attention shifted earlier in the window after sealing a deal for Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono, who will join this summer.
With Williams now off the table, Barcelona are reassessing their winger targets, with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford a target.
Bellingham, meanwhile, is preparing for Real Madrid’s semi-final clash with European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup.
