Nico Williams Issues Ultimatum to Barcelona Over Blockbuster Transfer Move
Nico Williams rejected superior proposals from other clubs to secure a move to Barcelona this summer, though sources suggest he has made one particular demand to the Catalan side as the transfer situation continues to unfold.
After choosing to remain with Athletic Club following Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Williams is understood to have already reached agreement on a long-term deal with Barcelona. However, finalizing the transfer depends on the Catalans demonstrating sufficient financial resources.
Williams possesses a buyout clause valued at €58 million ($68 million), rising to €62 million ($73.7 million) when additional expenses are included. Activating this clause removes the requirement for negotiations with Athletic Club, though the entire amount must be settled immediately.
Recent reports indicate Williams has appealed to Athletic Club to consider accepting payment in installments, receiving the clause's full worth but spread across multiple years. However, Barcelona have yet to take decisive action and have received public warnings from La Liga president Javier Tebas regarding compliance with the league's stringent financial regulations.
The previous summer saw the club invest €60 million ($70.3 million) in Dani Olmo, another release clause deal that was structured in payments. Yet Barça nearly lost him during the campaign, having relied on temporary registration that lapsed and required governmental assistance.
In what ought to be a simple transfer procedure, Williams has reportedly requested through SPORT that matters be resolved promptly—prior to his scheduled return to Athletic Club's preseason training on July 9. Predictably, the player wishes to avoid any dramatic developments, establishing this as his "sole requirement" when accepting Barcelona's proposal.
Barcelona are said to appreciate his position and "will make every effort" to complete arrangements before Williams' imposed timeframe. The funds for the release clause are not believed to be problematic, rather ensuring adequate wage budget to register him for competition. Departures of Ansu Fati and Clément Lenglet have been approved, though this proves insufficient and additional player sales are required.
How rapidly they can accomplish this, and the consequences should the July 9 deadline pass without resolution, remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are allegedly prepared to offer Williams significantly higher wages and are monitoring the situation hoping Barcelona mishandle the negotiations.