Athletic Club’s Nico Williams has reached a principal agreement with a club, setting the stage for a blockbuster move.
Williams, the 22-year-old who lit up Euro 2024 and La Liga last season, was a key target for the club’s sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick since their arrival.
The club’s ambitions to strengthen their attacking options with young and vibrant fresh footballers have resulted in a breakthrough in the negotiations, as Williams is excited about potentially joining his international teammate Lamine Yamal at the Camp Nou.
As per reports by journalist Santi Aouna, Barcelona have reached a pre-agreement with Nico Williams for a contract to last until June 2031, at a salary of €12 million gross per season.
This six-year contract would place Williams among the highest earners at the club, which reflects Williams’ value as an explosive and skilful winger.
The negotiations have moved swiftly after constructive conversations between Deco and Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta.
Williams reportedly turned down offers from Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and PSG to join Barcelona.
A possible move for Williams remains dependent on Barcelona activating the €60 million release clause in Williams’ contract.
This will be a huge ask of the club given its ongoing economic situation.
Barcelona’s improved position financially, which was upgraded to positive recently, gives reason to be cautiously optimistic about completing the deal, as long as the club can circumvent La Liga’s salary restrictions and raise the funds necessary to pay the clause in full.
If all goes according to plan, Williams would represent a huge upgrade in Barcelona’s offensive capabilities and would add to the flair exhibited by Lamine Yamal with more pace and composure.
Fans are sharing their apparent excitement and describing it as a huge addition for the club and the next step for Laporta’s project.
The next steps will be critical in ensuring that Barcelona can close out one of the most exciting moves of the summer.
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