Athletic Club hand Nico Williams number 10 shirt with season debut 3 days away

Athletic Club are just three days out from their La Liga debut this season, with Nico Williams undoubtedly the star attraction. Despite intense speculation on his future, Athletic continue to show confidence that he will be playing for them this season.

After a video of him saying he was looking forward to the season ahead, it looked as if Williams would be staying definitively at San Mames. However over the weekend reports emerged that he did in fact want to join Barcelona, who have been pursuing him all summer. Those claiming as much remain in the minority.

Los Leones clearly think he will be there though, as they have handed Williams the number 10 shirt vacated by Iker Muniain, while Alvaro Djalo has taken on his number 11 shirt.

The 22-year-old is yet to appear in preseason for Athletic, but they have their first league clash on Thursday against Getafe at San Mames. It would be a surprise if Williams did not feature at all during the match, although a start seems unlikely.