Nico Williams is reportedly hoping that his personal pleas to Athletic Club will help smooth the process of a transfer to Barcelona that has been a year in the making.
Williams ultimately chose to stay with Athletic Club last summer in the wake of his breakout at Euro 2024. But with his childhood side not able to match his bigger ambitions from a sporting perspective, that was only ever going to be a short-term thing.
Barcelona have now agreed a contact with Williams until 2031, but there is still the matter of his transfer fee—more importantly, how it will be paid—to fully resolve.
The 22-year-old has a release clause that, with CPI, is €62 million ($71.5 million). That number is considered low for a player of his reputation, age and long-term potential, which makes it such an attractive deal. If the clause is triggered, it cuts out the need to negotiate with Athletic Club, but does require full up-front cash payment, and Barcelona still have financial limitations to consider.
Acc