La Liga champions Barcelona are still interested in signing 21-year-old Spanish international Nico Williams from Athletic Club.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Nico Williams remains the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Spanish international is keen on joining the Blaugrana but will not force his departure from Athletic Club. Meanwhile, his contract with the Basque outfit has a release clause worth €50 million.
Nico Williams and his Rise
Nico Williams has established himself as one of the best young players in La Liga in the last few seasons. A native of Pamplona, the Spaniard began his youth career at local club CA Osasuna before joining Athletic Club in July 2013. Over a decade has passed since then, and he has gone from strength to strength.
The 21-year-old made his debut for Athletic Club in April 2021 and has not looked back since then. The youngster is enjoying an excellent 2023/24 campaign, contributing to 19 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions. Williams has found the back of the net six times while providing 13 assists.
Meanwhile, he has become a pivotal figure for the Spanish national team, turning out 13 times since making his debut two years ago. Williams’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, particularly from the Premier League. But his next destination might be Barcelona.
Barcelona Interested
Barcelona’s eagerness to sign Nico Williams is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions hold a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old Spaniard, who has shown openness to joining them. The young attacker remains keen on moving to Barcelona. But he will not force a move away from Athletic Club and will only complete a transfer if the two teams can find a common ground.
Fortunately for Barcelona, Williams has a release clause worth €50 million in his contract with Athletic Club. So, the Blaugrana can secure his services without sealing an agreement with the Basque outfit. However, Barcelona will only launch the offensive to sign the Spanish international if they can raise the funds.
The Catalan giants have long-standing financial issues and need to balance their books before signing new players in the summer transfer window. So, a move worth €50 million might not see the light of day.
