La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly ready to cough up €58 million to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Nico Williams is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants have been scouring the market for a wide attacker in the summer transfer window. And they are willing to trigger his release clause of €58 million to secure his services if they raise the required money.
The rise and rise of Nico Williams
Nico Williams has seen his stock skyrocket in the last 18 months. The Spaniard rose in prominence two years ago and established a foothold in the senior squads of his club and country in the 2022/23 season. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength at Athletic Club, blossoming into a marauding wide attacker.
The 21-year-old was remarkable in the 2023/24 season, contributing to 27 goals in 37 outings across all competitions by finding the back of the net eight times and providing 19 assists. In addition, Williams has become a mainstay in the final third for Spain, making his mark at UEFA Euro 2024.
So, it is hardly surprising that the Spanish international has become a hot property in the market heading into the summer transfer window, with the who’s who of European football setting their sights on him. However, Williams’s preferred destination is Barcelona, as he is ready to snub other suitors to join the Catalan club.
Destined to join Barcelona?
Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams is understandable. The Catalan giants have been scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Ferran Torres and Raphinha, who might not be at the club as they look to balance their books.
Williams has thus emerged as the priority target, with Joan Laporta eager to recreate the national team pairing of Lamine Yamal and Williams at the Catalan club. The Spaniard also has an agreement with Barcelona, with the Blaugrana open to triggering his release clause worth €58 million.
However, while Barcelona might be open to coughing up €58 million to secure Nico Williams’s services, the transfer might take time to see the light of day due to the persistent financial woes. It will be interesting to see if the deal materialises anytime soon.
