Barcelona Continues to Pursue Nico Williams

Barcelona is working hard to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club. The club is now negotiating with the player’s agents. They see Williams as a key part of their summer transfer plans.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona‘s management trusts that Williams is the best player available for them, so they have gone all-in on him as they work with his brother-agent Inaki Williams to finalize details.

The financial situation remains unchanged. Athletic insists that Barcelona must pay the full release clause of €62 million (having been adjusted for inflation) in one go, with no option for installments. Williams has already agreed to the terms of a six-year contract with a gross salary of €12 million, potentially securing his future at Camp Nou until 2031. The ball is now in Barcelona’s court to resolve their financial problems and submit the money to La Liga and Athletic Club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Growing tension between Barcelona and Liverpool over Mohamed Salah and the Reds’ high asking price for Luis Diaz saw their pursuit for the Colombian stalling. Bayern Munich and Arsenal’s interest in Williams has reportedly cooled, leaving the path clear for Barcelona.
Williams, a standout performer for Athletic Club and the Spanish national team, looks poised to become a key attacking addition for new manager Hansi Flick after they fell short in the La Liga title race last season, ending the campaign nine points adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Flick has been clear that he needs to close that gap fast, with a strong summer in the market the most obvious solution.

Williams has remained committed to his desire to join Barcelona, further improving the likelihood of the deal going through. He believes he can become the club’s superstar after Paris Saint-Germain threatened their move for Salah.

WHAT NEXT?

Resolving their financial issues and getting a substantial amount of money remain the biggest concerns for Barcelona, who have to circumvent La Liga salary restrictions before they can register those signings. But they have a clear path in pursuit of the 21-year-old winger and, should they manage to cough up the €62 million that Athletic want, he is likely to become one of their marquee additions this summer.

In the meantime, Barca’s pre-season preparations are already underway, with their first league fixture set to be announced soon. Athletic, who finished the last campaign in fifth place, are busy preparing for a new season that, with potentially significant changes in their squad, could alter their objectives and ambitions.