"When he was young, he was very different. Even when he was in the U12 team, people always thought he was one of the next stars of the club," Andoni Bombin, a former Athletic Bilbao scout told Sky Sports.
That is certain to have become a reality, but perhaps on a larger scale than initially predicted. Nico Williams is not only the gem of Athletic Bilbao but also a hero of the Spanish national team. Nico scored La Roja's first goal in Berlin in the EURO 2024 final.
Now, the 22-year-old player is in the spotlight of many of Europe's top teams. In particular, Premier League clubs are eager to sign Nico.
It can be said that winning EURO 2024 with the Spanish national team is the peak of Nico's promising and flourishing career so far. He is not even 23 years old but has a EURO title and a star status in the Basque country.
Coming from Osasuna as an U11 player, Nico was immediately placed in the higher age group. When he was 16, he played for the U19 team. Two years later, Nico played for Basconia, Bilbao's third team. His Bilbao first-team debut came in the following season.
"Even when he was in the U18 team, he had personality to play, personality to show in that category, which was not easy. So we all have the same view that he will become a top player," Bombin added.
In addition, there is a great motivation for Nico, which is the dream of following the example of her brother, Inaki.
Over Nico 8 years old, Inaki broke into Bilbao's first team a decade ago and has since become a symbol of the club with nearly 500 appearances.
Last summer, Barcelona approached to sign Nico. This player had to make a choice, but chose to stay. Partly because of the connection with Bilbao and the move to a direct opponent will be strictly considered.
Bombin said: "I think having a brother in life is really useful because through Inaki, he understands what this club means. Therefore, this will be the perfect combination to get what you want. Nico Williams is in the first team and he doesn't think he can go anywhere in the future."
Transfers have also been on the rise this season, as Nico has been slow to start the campaign. An emotional summer after a successful EURO with Spain has had an impact, but there are also opinions that Barcelona's active pursuit of the 22-year-old player is one reason.
Nico has scored 11 goals this season, but 9 of those have come since the beginning of 2025. Bilbao's determination and possibly Nico's will be tested again this summer, with more attention paid to transfers. Arsenal are very interested in this winger. Barcelona are also likely to return to the negotiation table.
So can a player who is associated with Bilbao and Spanish football succeed in the Premier League?
"ThePremier League plays very fast with direct attacks and long balls. In this tournament, there are always many situations where one player plays against another with the ability to counterattack. I think he will be ready if this happens in the future because he has the qualities that best suit that playing style" - Bombin said.
