Nico Williams Begs Athletic Club to Let Him Join Barcelona
Nico Williams is said to be counting on his personal appeals to Athletic Club to facilitate a move to Barcelona that has been developing for over a year.
Williams decided to remain at Athletic Club during the previous summer following his impressive performances at Euro 2024. However, given that his boyhood club cannot fulfill his greater sporting aspirations, this arrangement was always meant to be temporary.
Barcelona have now reached an agreement on a contract with Williams extending through 2031, though the matter of his transfer fee—specifically, the payment method—still needs to be finalized.
The 22-year-old possesses a release clause that, including CPI adjustments, stands at €62 million ($71.5 million). This figure is viewed as modest for a player with his standing, youth, and future prospects, making it an appealing opportunity. Activating the clause eliminates the need for negotiations with Athletic Club, but requires immediate full payment, while Barcelona must still navigate their financial constraints.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Williams plans to have his representative, Félix Tainta, attempt to persuade Athletic Club to relax their insistence on triggering the clause with a single payment. Barcelona would have a greater opportunity to complete the transfer if the Basque club would accept installment payments instead.
Barça employed a comparable strategy when acquiring Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig last summer, distributing that transfer fee across an extended timeframe.
The indication is that Williams expects Athletic Club to recognize his dedication in remaining with them last summer by accepting the suggested arrangement. Barcelona reportedly remain doubtful that they will consent to it, and would readily activate the release clause if necessary.
Williams would significantly enhance Barcelona's attacking trio, though it suggests that Raphinha, despite being a 2025 Ballon d'Or candidate, could experience reduced playing time or assume a modified position.