Aston Villa will reportedly look to sign Nico Williams in the summer transfer window, but the Athletic Club winger is waiting for Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Nico Williams is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. However, the Athletic Club winger has his heart set on joining Barcelona and will wait for the Blaugrana to launch the offensive to sign him. Meanwhile, the Spanish international has a release clause of over €50 million in his contract, which complicates matters for Barcelona.
Nico Williams and his rapid ascent
Nico Williams has established himself as one of the best young players in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Athletic Club. The 21-year-old did not garner much praise and fanfare during his youth career but has seen his stock skyrocket in the last two years.
The Spaniard was exceptional in the 2023/24 season, contributing to 25 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net eight times while providing 17 assists. Meanwhile, Williams has become a mainstay in the final third for Spain and Athletic Club.
The youngster’s progress at Athletic Club has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs like Arsenal and Aston Villa are keen on signing the Spanish international. Meanwhile, the player is also a target for Barcelona.
Where will Williams land this summer?
Barcelona’s interest in Nico Williams is understandable. The Catalan giants want to bolster their attack in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ferran Torres and Raphinha. The Athletic Club prospect has thus emerged as a priority target for Barcelona.
As for Aston Villa, they want to add more quality to their offensive department. Williams has thus emerged as a viable target for the West Midlands outfit. However, the Villans face a losing battle for the Spaniard’s signature, as he has his heart set on joining Barcelona.
But his release clause, worth over €50 million, complicates matters for Barcelona. However, while Aston Villa can potentially afford to cough up €50 million to secure Nico Williams’s services, he is ready to wait for Barcelona, even if he stays at San Mames for another season.
