Barcelona’s move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has stalled, with two major obstacles threatening to derail the highly anticipated transfer ahead of the summer window.
The 21-year-old Spain international has reportedly expressed a strong desire to join the Catalan giants, but negotiations have become complicated in recent days.
Luis Díaz Still Top Priority for Barça
Barcelona’s interest in Williams comes as the club also eyes Liverpool forward Luis Díaz. New manager Hansi Flick is believed to favour Díaz as his primary target for the left wing, making the chase for Williams more uncertain.
However, Liverpool are unwilling to sell, and even if they do consider offers, the Premier League side is expected to demand a fee no less than €60 million—a price tag Barcelona may struggle to meet given their current financial situation.
Williams’ Release Clause a Financial Hurdle
The second major challenge revolves around Nico Williams’ release clause, which is set at €58 million, potentially rising to €64 million due to inflation adjustments.
While the clause gives Athletic Bilbao little power to stop the transfer, the structure of the payment is a concern for Barcelona, who are still working to stabilize their finances.
Despite the complications, Williams has shown commitment to joining Barcelona by offering to reduce his salary to make the move happen.
Williams has enjoyed an impressive spell at Athletic Bilbao, helping the club secure European qualification and earning plaudits for his explosive pace and creativity on the wing.
As it stands, Barcelona must decide whether to push for Luis Díaz or shift full focus to Nico Williams—a decision that could shape the club’s attacking future for years to come.
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