🔴 Nico Williams Snubs Barcelona and United for Liverpool — And It’s All Because of One Teammate

In one of the most dramatic twists of the 2025 summer transfer window, Nico Williams has confirmed he is joining Liverpool, turning down blockbuster offers from Manchester United and his long-rumored suitor Barcelona.

The 21-year-old Spanish winger, who dazzled at EURO 2024 and helped lead Athletic Club to their best finish in years, revealed that his surprising choice came down to a deeply personal reason: his friendship with Florian Wirtz.

“Manchester United and Barcelona came with very good offers, big projects, and a lot of promises,” Williams said in an exclusive interview with COPE.
“But I chose to join Liverpool because of one person — I don’t want anything that will jeopardize our friendship. I hope I won’t regret my decision later, but it feels right.”

🤝 The Wirtz Factor: Friendship Over Fortune
Williams’ decision to join the Reds comes just weeks after Florian Wirtz’s record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield. While many assumed financial or tactical reasons would sway Nico, it turns out trust and loyalty played the biggest role.

“Florian and I have been close for a long time. We understand each other on and off the pitch,” Williams added.
“He told me what Liverpool is building — and I believed him. When you have a bond like that, it’s more than football, it’s trust.”

The duo’s chemistry has long been admired in youth football circles, and their reunion at Liverpool has fans ecstatic about what could become one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in Europe.

🌟 “To Play with Mo Is a Dream”
Williams also couldn’t hide his excitement about playing with Mohamed Salah, whom he called a “legend” and an “inspiration.” The potential front three of Salah–Wirtz–Williams under Arne Slot has already been dubbed “The Red Renaissance” by fans on social media.

“To play with Mo is a dream. He’s a legend. Add Florian to that, and I think we can build something special