Barcelona Achieves Major Breakthrough in Nico Williams Pursuit as Transfer Deadline Looms

Barcelona have reached a personal terms agreement with Athletic Club's winger Nico Williams, who is reportedly willing to significantly reduce his wage demands to secure a transfer to Camp Nou, according to multiple sources.

Williams nearly joined Barcelona during the previous summer transfer window and seemed to have lost his opportunity when president Joan Laporta revealed last month that the club was focusing on alternative targets. However, a recent discussion with the player's representative has rekindled Barcelona's pursuit.

With Williams expressing his preference for a Barcelona move over interest from clubs like Arsenal or Bayern Munich, Fabrizio Romano initially reported that a six-year contract agreement had been finalized with the Spanish international.

This report was subsequently confirmed by SPORT, revealing the deal includes an annual wage of up to €8 million ($9.2 million)—significantly below what competing clubs have offered.

Barcelona now only needs to activate Williams's buyout clause, as Athletic are reportedly determined not to enter negotiations regarding his departure.

Some uncertainty has surrounded the exact amount of Williams's release clause. MARCA confirms it stands at €58 million ($66.7 million), though when including taxes and additional costs, the total transfer fee will approach €62 million ($71.3 million).

Importantly, Barcelona aims to finalize the deal before pre-season training commences in mid-July. Williams allegedly informed interested clubs earlier this summer that should he begin pre-season with Athletic, he would stay with the team for the entire campaign, and the Spanish winger appears committed to this position.

This timeframe is achievable for Barcelona but may necessitate departures of several squad players. Players such as Ansu Fati and Oriol Romeu are anticipated to leave during the summer window, while considerable doubt remains about the futures of Marc-André ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen, amongst others.