Barcelona Agree Terms with Nico Williams in Major Summer Move

Barcelona are set to make Nico Williams their big signing this summer. They have agreed on personal terms with the Athletic Club and Spain winger. Now, they need to finalize the transfer fee with his current club. Barcelona want to strengthen their squad for the 2025-26 season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona and Nico Williams have agreed on a long-term contract. This deal would keep the 21-year-old at Camp Nou until June 2031. Williams could earn up to €8 million per season, making him one of the squad’s top earners. But, Barcelona still need to agree with Athletic Club. The club has a €58 million release clause in his contract. Barcelona are figuring out how to pay and meet LaLiga’s financial rules. Williams is keen to join after a great season and playing well with Spain at EURO 2024.

BARCELONA’S SUMMER REBUILD PLANS

Chasing Williams is part of Barcelona’s plan to rebuild their squad. They finished third in LaLiga last season, 10 points behind champions Real Madrid. Williams is fast and can stretch defenses. He would improve the left wing, where Barca see a weakness. Williams would join stars like Pedri, Gündogan, and Lewandowski in the attack. Under new coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona are making big moves to compete for trophies in Spain and Europe.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Barcelona and Athletic Club are negotiating. The Basque side want to keep Williams. But Williams wants to join Barcelona, so a deal seems likely soon. Barca want to finish the transfer before preseason starts in mid-July. They want to close the gap to Real Madrid and fend off rivals like Girona, who finished close behind them. Their next game is a preseason friendly against Arsenal, who also showed interest in Williams.