It seems to be only a matter of time before Nico Williams can be called a Barcelona player. The top club is willing to pay the release clause to Athletic Bilbao and has already reached a personal agreement with the winger.
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According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Nico Williams is on the verge of making a major move in his young career.
The Spanish winger, currently under contract with Athletic Bilbao, is reportedly set to earn between seven and eight million euros net per year should his transfer to FC Barcelona be finalized. The contract, which would tie him to the Catalan giants for six seasons, reflects both the player’s rising status in European football and Barça’s firm belief in his long-term potential. Negotiations have progressed steadily, and multiple sources now confirm that personal terms between the player and the club have been fully agreed upon.
This development marks a significant step forward in a transfer that has been gathering momentum for weeks. Reports in Spain, particularly from the Catalan sports daily Sport, indicate that a complete agreement with Athletic Bilbao is now within reach. The only remaining issue is the activation of Williams's release clause, which is estimated to be in the region of sixty million euros. Athletic, known for their tough stance in transfer dealings, are unwilling to lower that figure or enter into protracted negotiations. Therefore, Barcelona must pay the full amount if they want to secure his signature a strategy they seem ready to pursue.
Nico Williams, still only 22 years old, has rapidly developed into one of La Liga’s most exciting wide players. His pace, creativity, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one have made him a constant threat on the flanks. He played a crucial role in Athletic Bilbao's successful campaign last season, helping them win the Copa del Rey and qualify for European competition. His performances also earned him a regular place in the Spanish national team, and he is currently representing Spain at Euro 2024, where his displays have further enhanced his reputation across Europe.
Williams is said to be extremely keen on the move to Barcelona. He sees the Catalan club as the perfect environment to grow, play Champions League football consistently, and compete for the biggest trophies. The chance to play alongside talents like Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and possibly João Félix is something that greatly appeals to him. His arrival would also help the club transition into a younger, faster, and more dynamic attacking setup, in line with sporting director Deco’s long-term vision for the squad.
Interestingly, Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams gained urgency after their attempts to sign Liverpool’s Luis Díaz hit a wall. According to Sport, the Blaugrana initially targeted the Colombian winger as a marquee summer signing. However, Liverpool made it clear that any potential deal would require a payment of at least seventy to eighty million euros a figure far above what Barcelona were willing to spend given their ongoing financial constraints. With that door effectively closed, the club shifted their full attention to Williams, whose lower release clause and Spanish passport made him a more viable target both financially and strategically.
Should the deal go through, Williams would become Barcelona’s second signing of the summer window. The first was goalkeeper Joan Garcia, whom the club quietly secured from city rivals Espanyol. Garcia, also a promising young Spanish talent, is expected to compete with Marc-André ter Stegen for the number one spot in the coming years or serve as a strong backup option. These early moves suggest that Barcelona are not only looking to strengthen their squad, but are also focused on building a core of domestic players who can serve the club for many seasons.
Despite their well-documented financial challenges, Barcelona seem determined to back new manager Hansi Flick with the tools he needs to succeed. The potential addition of Nico Williams would be a clear statement of intent, showing that the club remains an attractive destination for top-tier talent and is serious about competing with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City on the European stage once again.
Updated: 11:57, 19 Jun 2025
