Athletic Club Won’t Make It Easy for Barcelona to Sign Nico Williams
Athletic Club is unwilling to ease the potential transfer of Nico Williams to FC Barcelona. According to sources close to the operation, the only way the forward will wear the Blaugrana shirt is through the full payment of his release clause, which stands at $71 million, adjusted for inflation. The Basque club has made it clear that no negotiations or installment payments will be accepted, even if the total amount offered exceeds the clause.
Nico Has Already Made His Decision
The player has made up his mind: he wants to be part of Barcelona new project and take part in the reopening of the Camp Nou, choosing this path over playing in the Champions League with Athletic at San Mamés. However, reports from within Barça suggest they are considering asking Nico to mediate with Athletic in search of a negotiated exit. The player knows that’s not a viable route: any such proposal will be met with a firm refusal from the club president. While there may be no public confrontation, the message will be clear there will be no deal unless the clause is paid in full.
A Lucrative Renewal on Hold
Nico Williams is under contract until 2027, and Athletic has been working on a renewal that would make him the highest-paid player in the squad, offering figures on par with what Barcelona is prepared to pay. However, the forward has yet to respond to these proposals. From the club perspective, he hasn’t shown any willingness to negotiate a friendly departure.
A Precedent That Sets the Tone
The last time a player’s release clause was paid at Athletic was in January 2018, when Manchester City triggered the $75 million clause in Aymeric Laporte contract. Just one day later, Athletic responded by activating the release clause of Iñigo Martínez from Real Sociedad.
Is Barcelona Willing to Go All the Way?
One thing is certain: Athletic is in no rush to part ways with one of its most iconic players. Their stance is clear, and FC Barcelona will now have to decide whether they are ready to meet the full cost of the transfer or if a backup plan must be put into motion. As always in the transfer market, the ball is in the buyer’s court.
