The Catalan giant now needs to find a way to trigger his release clause, set at 55 million euros, as Athletic Bilbao is not willing to negotiate a lower amount.
One of the standout stars of finalist Spain in Euro 2024, along with Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams is closer to reuniting with the young talent at Barcelona. The Catalan newspaper Sport reported this Wednesday that the "Blaugrana" giant has reached a preliminary agreement with the 21-year-old winger.
With the player's personal terms which remain undisclosed now aligned, Barça is focusing on finding a way to trigger his release clause, set at 55 million euros, at Athletic Bilbao, which is not willing to negotiate a lower amount.
At the same time, the Catalans, whose financial situation is far from comfortable, will also need to ensure that they can register the winger for the next LaLiga season. The club’s current financial constraints mean they must navigate carefully to comply with LaLiga's financial fair play regulations. This adds an additional layer of complexity to securing Williams' transfer, as they must balance their books and potentially offload other players to make room for the new signing.
Therefore, it is mentioned that Williams, despite wanting to move to Barcelona, will not wait all summer for his transfer to be finalized. He wants his situation resolved by the first week of August at the latest, indicating that both clubs are under pressure to expedite the negotiations.
Trained at Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams scored eight goals and provided 16 assists in 37 games last season, helping the Basque team finish LaLiga in fifth place. His performances have not only solidified his reputation as one of LaLiga's most promising talents but have also attracted the attention of several top European clubs.
In Euro 2024, he has been an undisputed starter for Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente, tallying one goal and one assist in five matches. His contributions have been crucial in Spain's journey to the final, showcasing his ability to perform on the international stage. This impressive form has only heightened interest in his future and increased the urgency for Barcelona to secure his services.
As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Barcelona's maneuvers to finalize this high-profile acquisition. The potential addition of Nico Williams could significantly bolster their attacking options and add depth to their squad as they aim to compete at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe.
