Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams was set to join Barcelona before a single text reportedly collapsed the £50million deal.
The 22-year-old was one of Europe's hottest targets at the beginning of the summer transfer window and was coveted by Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea as well as the LaLiga champions.
Barcelona appeared to have beaten off opposition to acquire the Euro 2024 winner, with sporting director Deco claiming the Spaniard has shown a 'strong desire' to move to the Nou Camp.
President Joan Laporta admitted they were willing to pay his €58m (£50m) release clause, while Athletic Bilbao even compained to LaLiga about Barcelona's finances in an effort to spoil the deal.
The winger appeared destined to join Hansi Flick's side and bolster a devastating attack that already includes Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandoski.
But earlier this month Williams backtracked, signing a remarkable ten-year contract extension at his boyhood side.
A simple WhatsApp message was behind the stunning u-turn, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
The message which reportedly collapsed the deal saw Barcelona suggesting that Williams should sever ties with agent Felix Tainta in favour of Jorge Mendes or Pini Zahavi.
Tainta has a strong relationship with the Williams family, including brother Inaki Williams, and the text is said to have sparked outrage, spelling an end to Barcelona's pursuit.
After signing his decade long extension, Williams said there is nothing better than continuing to play at his boyhood side.
'I think we have a very long season ahead of us,' he said.
'We have very ambitious titles like the Champions League, which everyone would like to play in. What could be better than doing it with the club of my life?
'I would like to continue making history here at San Mamés, with the fans, with my family, and with a lot of enthusiasm.'
He will continue playing alongside brother Iñaki Williams, who will captain Athletic next season.
'We've both always dreamed of this moment,' Williams said. 'My brother is a role model for everyone, especially for me. I think he's the best person to be captain, and I can't wait to see him wearing the armband for a long time.'
sucdeksu
0
did anyone see the WhatsApp message??
munkmnoptz
0
you will always be a loser,
zawbcdlmty
0
he'll regret it
piwaopstz
0
We have rashford now can we close Williams door forever
Zico_711
3
No problem continue to fight for top 5 😂😂😂😂 Yamal already have all Spanish cups but you chose to fight for top 5 lol funny enough
Dinacimrsu
2
We have Rashford now we don't need William news anymore
Zucbcelruy
0
The truth is he is afraid of changes like what if i fail at Barcelona??? then things wil never be the same but at Bilbao he is home n dry comfortable n protected
honestly,I agreed with u , he's afraid of failure
yeeceprtz
0
Barca got Rashford which much faster than him .
Hoycdenoz
3
The decision is yours bro no need to denied anything we are already done with you it's your choice you choose so be it
CUSOR5522
0
If that WhatsApp message to Nico is true then he has all the right to cancel any chance of a contract, Barcelona was hiring the player not his manager and had to right to demand that he change his manager, he has a good contract and enjoys playing with his childhood team and brother, he may not win club trophies but he is in a good place mentally
Do you reason with a brain at all??
Fedbinrtu
2
he is a stupid boy with no ambition, he will grow old at bibao without winning anything.
vokdikprz
3
Trophies are not for players. They are for the club. Play where you are happy. Get your salary and enjoy it.
Nenadiopty
1
hahaha!!!! no fucking club teams Come Closer
Tupbeior
1
thank u atiletic for calling on the police laliga) to save from broke robbers barca
Mudiklosuz
1
What history has he ever made??? I laughed in Chinese 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Tupbeior
0
so because of armband that your brother Inaki will wear, you ignored the best team in the world FC BARCELONA
best u say ,ah without ucl ,for the past ten years
Moseskhalid
1
let him stay there
Zusacdnotu
1
so because of armband that your brother Inaki will wear, you ignored the best team in the world FC BARCELONA
camcdmnstu
2
making history he says 😂😂😂😅😅
olusoji15
0
The truth is he is afraid of changes like what if i fail at Barcelona??? then things wil never be the same but at Bilbao he is home n dry comfortable n protected
m telling you mate 🤣
olusoji15
0
😂
blacknight8235IN
3
If that WhatsApp message to Nico is true then he has all the right to cancel any chance of a contract, Barcelona was hiring the player not his manager and had to right to demand that he change his manager, he has a good contract and enjoys playing with his childhood team and brother, he may not win club trophies but he is in a good place mentally
donreal1990
4
Barca shot themselves on the leg
Biyacisty
0
Hritangshu93
1
Hmmm...... it's ok.... what's gone is gone......if he loves his agent more than us ..... that's fine...... anyway his agent kept Inaki in the same club forever and I am starting to believe that he will end up like his brother........just hope he wins some trophies......
Wezabcdioz
0
let him stay he born there he have is own mind is real club was real madrid he just use Barcelona to get more money 💰
Zawdilmnpz
2
The truth is he is afraid of changes like what if i fail at Barcelona??? then things wil never be the same but at Bilbao he is home n dry comfortable n protected
Zawdilmnpz
2
idiot you want to remain trophyless for rest of your career I mean at club level
Temaklnpt
1
fact
vuaabdipu
6
Whatever The bro retired from winning titles unless it's a Super Cup or a Copa Del Rey, but this will happen once in twenty years