Nico Williams' Potential Barcelona Wages Stack Up Against Rising Star Lamine Yamal's Pay
Joan Laporta appears to have additional financial strategies at his disposal.
Despite previously claiming Barcelona had no involvement in pursuing Athletic Club's winger Nico Williams, the La Liga titleholders now seem poised to secure the services of this highly sought-after Spanish international. Barcelona showed significant interest during the previous summer transfer window, though a transfer to either the Premier League or Bayern Munich appeared more probable at that time.
However, Williams has been harboring dreams of joining the Catalan club.
The young winger's salary expectations allegedly discouraged other interested clubs, and although Barcelona's financial struggles are well-publicized, they are reportedly prepared to meet Williams' wage demands.
Central to the Spaniard's ambition to join Barcelona was apparently the chance to team up with his international colleague and close friend Lamine Yamal. The teenage sensation recently signed a profitable contract renewal with the Blaugrana, and here's how Williams' potential Barcelona wages stack up against his teammate's earnings.
Nico Williams' Potential Barcelona Wages vs Lamine Yamal's Salary
Barcelona face challenges in registering Williams following his potential acquisition. The club reportedly feels confident about making the required financial adjustments to prevent complications, though they're currently exceeding La Liga's permitted wage expenditure limits.
Speculation suggested the winger was seeking up to €20 million (£17 million, $23 million) annually to join Bayern, but Williams has reportedly accepted a €12 million (£10.3 million, $13.8 million) gross annual salary with Barcelona, committing to a six-year contract.
This would position the 22-year-old among the club's top earners, though his proposed wages remain below Yamal's substantial new agreement. The 17-year-old has committed to staying in Catalonia through 2031, and according to Capology, he's now receiving approximately €16.7 million (£14.3 million, $19.3 million) per year.
Surprisingly, even with this generous new contract, Yamal doesn't hold the title of Barcelona's best-compensated player.
Barcelona's Highest-Earning Player
According to Capology, Barcelona are compensating Robert Lewandowski with an extraordinary sum. The Polish striker has been instrumental in securing two La Liga championships, though some may debate whether his contribution justifies the financial burden.
His contract extension signed earlier this year, running through June 2026, guarantees him an impressive €33.3 million (£28.4 million, $38.4 million) annual salary. This translates to more than €640,000 (£547,000, $738,000) weekly.
Frenkie de Jong's €19 million (£16.2 million, $21.9 million) annual wages place him second at the club, with Yamal occupying third position. Should Williams agree to the speculated contract terms, he would become Barcelona's tenth highest-earning player (excluding performance bonuses). Raphinha, Jules Koundé, Pedri, Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, and Ansu Fati—once considered Lionel Messi's potential successor but currently struggling—would all command higher salaries.