News
Athletic Club Winger Nico Williams Agrees To Join Barcelona This Summer
Nico Williams has told Barcelona he is willing to join them this summer, a report has claimed.
The winger is one of Barca’s top transfer targets for the summer window, and they had been hoping to complete his signing before that of Spain teammate, Dani Olmo.
However, discussions with the Athletic Club encountered challenges, and there appeared to be some reluctance on Williams’ part regarding the idea of departing from his childhood team.
However, SPORT reports that Barcelona has obtained the green light from Williams, who is eager to join the club this summer. This development has now ‘unblocked’ the path to finalizing an agreement with Athletic.
Though Williams has given his word to Barcelona, they still need to come up with an appropriate payment structure to present to Athletic. The winger’s contract contains a €60m release clause, which Barca would struggle to meet upfront.
Barca will need to pay his €60 million release clause in full, but Joan Laporta has previously stated that this will not be an issue.
Olmo’s contract at RB Leipzig included a €60m release, but the sporting director successfully negotiated a more favorable deal for Barcelona. However, it remains uncertain whether Athletic would be receptive to a similarly creative arrangement.
But the feeling from within Barcelona is that Williams’ signing will be wrapped up within the next week, with club president, Joan Laporta, keen to strengthen the playing squad under new head coach Hansi Flick.
Williams’ possible move to Catalonia would see him reunited with fellow Euro 2024 standout Lamine Yamal, as the two wingers played a key role in leading Spain to victory earlier this summer.
They developed a strong friendship during the tournament, while Yamal repeatedly admitted he would love to team up with Williams at club level.
The 22-year-old scored five goals and provided 11 assists in La Liga last season, while he scored in the Euro 2024 final as Spain emerged triumphant over England.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs that have been an eye on Williams as well, but it seems if he is going anywhere this summer, it will be to Barcelona.
