Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Athletic Club winger, is reportedly on the verge of joining Barcelona this summer, despite tempting offers from Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Trusted sources indicate that Williams has made it clear to his agent, Félix Tainta, that his dream is to play for the La Liga champions. In a recent meeting with Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, Tainta conveyed Williams’ strong desire to move to Catalonia, even if it means accepting a lower salary than what other clubs are offering. This development has shocked Athletic Club, who were caught off guard by the talks, as they believed Williams might stay or move abroad. The young Spaniard’s release clause stands at €58 million, a sum any interested club must pay in full to secure his signature. Barcelona, however, are also considering Liverpool’s Luis Díaz as an alternative target, which could complicate their pursuit of Williams.
Reports from reliable outlets like Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo highlight Williams’ enthusiasm for joining Barcelona, where he has close friends like Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano further confirm that Williams has prioritised a move to Barcelona over offers from Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Romano noted that Bayern held two meetings with Williams’ representatives, but the player remains focused on a potential transfer to the Camp Nou. Arsenal and Chelsea, while interested, find the financial demands of the deal challenging, particularly the high release clause and Williams’ salary expectations, which he is reportedly willing to reduce for Barcelona.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, are not giving up easily. They are preparing an improved contract to convince Williams to stay in Bilbao, where he has been a standout performer. However, the lure of Barcelona, combined with the chance to play under coach Hansi Flick, appears to be a decisive factor. Flick has reportedly spoken with Williams about his role in the team’s project, adding to the player’s excitement. Despite earlier reports suggesting Barcelona had shifted their focus to Díaz, Williams’ proactive push for the move has reignited their interest. The transfer saga is gaining momentum, with fans eagerly awaiting an outcome as the summer window progresses.
This news reflects the latest developments from credible sources, ensuring accuracy and clarity for readers. While Barcelona’s financial constraints could pose challenges, Williams’ determination to join them might tip the scales in their favour, making this one of the most watched transfers of the season.