Wojciech Szczesny has “unintentionally bodied” Nico Williams after saying that players “have no balls” if they turn down the chance to join Barcelona.

Athletic Club winger Williams was reported to be on Barca’s recruitment radar after helping Spain to Euro 2024 glory. Any deal there would have seen the exciting forward reunited with teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal – after starring alongside the 17-year-old for La Roja.

In the end, Williams opted to remain in Bilbao. Barcelona have been faring admirably without him, but have also suffered a number of injury setbacks in the 2024-25 campaign. One of those has seen first-choice goalkeeper and club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen ruled out with a serious knee injury.

Ex-Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny has stepped out of retirement to provide cover between the sticks in Catalunya, with the 34-year-old telling Sport of having the chance to link up with Barcelona: “When the phone rings and it becomes a reality when you have it and it only depends on you, on your decision... You can think, imagine, plan...And you ask yourself: 'Can I say 'no' to Barca?' And the answer is that you can't say 'no'. If you say 'no' to Barca, it's because you don't have the balls or bravery for a challenge like this.” Fans have been quick to point out that Szczesny’s comments see Williams “unintentionally bodied” following his big summer career call.

Williams may end up on Barcelona’s books at some stage, with interest unlikely to go away, but the Blaugrana are looking to others for inspiration at present. Szczesny, meanwhile, will be hoping to make his debut for new La Liga employers when domestic action in Spain resumes after the international break.