XABI ALONSO HITS HARD: REAL MADRID SNATCH NICO WILLIAMS FROM BARÇA FOR €58M – WILL RODRYGO MAKE THE COST? ❌ Barça thought to conclude, but Williams changed his mind after an unexpected call from Madrid: “He is now projecting himself at the Bernabéu
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, Real Madrid have sensationally hijacked Barcelona’s long-anticipated move for Athletic Club star Nico Williams. The 21-year-old winger was widely expected to finalize a deal with Barça, but a surprise last-minute intervention from Madrid has completely changed the picture.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the preseason tour, new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso didn’t hold back when asked about the transfer.
“It’s a competitive market. Madrid doesn’t wait for leftovers. If there’s a player who belongs at the Bernabéu, we act,” Alonso declared, subtly throwing shade at Barcelona’s transfer tactics.
According to inside sources, Nico Williams had already been in advanced talks with Barcelona, with personal terms reportedly agreed. But just as Barça believed the deal was done, an unexpected phone call from Real Madrid turned the winger’s head.
“He is now projecting himself at the Bernabéu,” a source close to the player revealed. The call, reportedly made by Xabi Alonso himself, is said to have left a strong impression on Williams, who grew up admiring Real Madrid legends and was enticed by the promise of immediate silverware and a starring role in Madrid’s new attacking lineup.
The €58 million deal, finalized swiftly in the past 48 hours, has now raised questions over the future of Rodrygo Goes, whose position on the right flank could come under threat. When asked about Rodrygo’s role, Alonso was diplomatic but firm:
“This is Real Madrid — competition is part of our DNA. No one is guaranteed a place. It’s about who delivers when it matters most.”
The move adds further tension to an already heated rivalry between the two Spanish giants. Barça had prioritized Nico Williams as a key addition to bolster their attack, and missing out to their bitter rivals will sting deeply at Camp Nou.
Fans and pundits alike are now speculating whether this blockbuster signing signals the beginning of a tactical reshuffle at Madrid — and whether Rodrygo, who struggled for consistency last season, might find himself edged out of the starting XI.