Bayern Munich have reached out to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to assess the club’s pursuit of Athletic Club’s Nico Williams.
Nico Williams, a 22-year-old Athletic Club winger, has generated a transfer tug-of-war between Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Bayern views Williams as a high-quality target in their quest to strengthen attacking options, but they are running into significant competition from Barcelona, which is close to unlocking a deal.
While Barcelona is trying to navigate Financial Fair Play limitations, Bayern is considering whether or not the possibility of Barcelona delaying the deal could offer them an opportunity to sign the Spanish international.
As stated by journalist Christian Falk on The Daily Briefing, Bayern contacted their former sextuple-winning manager Flick to gauge Barcelona’s determination to activate Williams’ €62 million release clause.
Flick indicated that Barcelona is keen to complete the transfer by early July and is confident that they will find a way to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.
Williams, a standout player for his country at UEFA Euro 2024, has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Barcelona, even though Bayern offered him an attractive €12 million annual net salary.
Williams also emphasizes that joining Barcelona would be a priority for him over Bayern.
The links with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and alignment with Flick’s tactical plans tip the scales further in favour.
Although Bayern has not backed down and has looked at possible alternatives like Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, if Williams proceeds to Barcelona.
Athletic Club not only wants the full payment for Williams’ release clause, but they also insist on paying promptly, making it difficult for any other options to be available.
Should Barcelona’s financial situation not allow the way forward, Bayern might have an opportunity to swoop in, yet Flick made it abundantly clear the other options are just not on the same level.
Moreover, Williams himself does not appear interested in any other options that have been mentioned.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, Bayern’s hopes will reside solely on Barcelona running into unforeseen complications with Williams, as he will no doubt enhance Barcelona’s attacking prospects going forward into the 2025-26 season.
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