Barcelona Ready to Trigger Nico Williams’s €58 Million Release Clause

Barcelona’s president has hinted that the club is prepared to pay the release clause for Athletic winger Nico Williams, indicating they are gearing up for a big-money move in the summer transfer window.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona may have to pay €58 million to sign Williams from Athletic. The winger is a free agent this summer, but he will join his new club with commitment bonuses, including a €45 million bonus, if he lets his contract expire first. However, Blaugrana are unwilling to agree to that, so they might have to pay the release clause instead. Meanwhile, their club president has confirmed they are open to the possibility if it’s necessary. Williams, 22, has told Athletic that he plans to leave this summer and was reportedly preparing a farewell video for the fans. While Barcelona appear to have already agreed personal terms with the player, all that remains is the formal payment of the clause, which must be made in full and upfront under Spanish transfer rules.

BIGGER PLAN: BARCELONA’S SUMMER GIFTS

Spain international Williams has starred for the Basque club since 2023, and has 44 goals and 39 assists in 142 La Liga appearances to his name. He scored 12 goals and grabbed 10 assists in the Spanish top flight last season. He made his Spain debut in 2024 and now has 15 international caps. Barca are looking to strengthen their squad after winning La Liga last season. They have already made a few summer transfers this year and hope to bolster their attack further with the arrival of proven talent from their fellow La Liga side.

WHAT NEXT? BARCELONA IS KEEN TO SEE MORE MOVES

Williams currently has an offer of a contract until 2031 on the table from Barcelona. If the Catalan club confirms that agreement, he will earn between €7 million (£5.9 million/$7 million) and €8 million (£6.8 million/$7.9 million) per year in Spain. Furthermore, he will reportedly have a termination clause worth between €700 million (£589 million/$696 million) and €1 billion (£842 million/$994 million) in his contract. Williams’s signature will see Barcelona add yet another quality talent to an already strong core, putting the club in a good position to challenge for silverware in the months ahead.