FC BARCELONA SIGNINGS 2025
'Ok' from the Barça board for the signing of Nico Williams!
Published:16/06/2025 - 23:31h
Updated:16/06/2025 - 23:38h
Nico Williams is clear about his future in the next summer market: if Barça does not close his signing, he will end up renewing with Athletic. The Azulgrana board has already given the green light to his signing
Athletic Club or FC Barcelona. Those are the only destinations that Nico Williams contemplates for the next season. The affordability of his release clause (58 million euros) has awakened the interest of several giants of Europe. However, the player from Pamplona only considers leaving Bilbao to wear the Azulgrana shirt.
The last meeting between his agent, Félix Tainta, and Deco ratified the footballer's desire to sign for Barça. This, in turn, reopened the debate regarding his signing, a topic that until last week seemed completely closed in the Culé dome.
In case negotiations with the Catalan team do not prosper, the winger would prefer to renew with the 'lions'. Athletic wants to extend his current contract, which ends in 2027, at least for three more years, with a significant salary improvement and a readjustment of his clause.
Beyond the inevitable rumors about his departure and Nico's open desire to play in Barcelona, in San Mamés they still consider him as their main star. Therefore, the board led by Jon Uriarte wants to make a final effort to retain him.
The Barça board resumes the 'Operation Nico'
In Can Barça, however, there are divided opinions regarding his signing. Williams' 'no' last summer left a huge discomfort in the Culé board, but Joan Laporta, convinced by Deco and Hansi Flick himself, has already given the green light to resume negotiations.
Similarly, the influence of Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spanish internationals present in the Azulgrana squad has also been decisive. Although the 24/25 season was a discreet one for Nico (he scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in 45 matches), the club understands that his arrival represents a luxury reinforcement for the Azulgrana attack.
In addition to the excellent relationship on and off the field between the player from Pamplona and the Culé '19', his age (22 years) and projection represent a sensible bet for Barça. The Basque player is already valued at around 70 'kilos' in Transfermarkt and was a key figure with Spain in the European Championship that La Roja won in Germany.
Laporta, however, does not rule out Luis Díaz, the club's other alternative in terms of left wingers. The Colombian is a bit older (28) and has a lower profile. However, his signing would involve a similar expense, beyond Liverpool's initial refusal to negotiate below 75 M€ for the Colombian striker.
Bayern and Arsenal move away from Nico Williams
Meanwhile, Nico Williams' position clears the way for the Culés in the summer market. Bayern Munich and Arsenal have been attentive to his future for months, but the Basque player has already closed the door to leaving Spain this year.
The reason has to do with keeping his family close and being able to play in a team where he feels really comfortable. In Barcelona he would be almost at home, surrounded by many of his teammates from the National Team and with a solid sports project behind him.
In Bilbao he would also have sports stability, although logically with less ambition in terms of titles. The 'lions' will play Champions in 25/26, after coming close to the Europa League final last season.
In any case, the 22-year-old winger already has his priorities clear for the upcoming market. Barça also does, and the Culé board, unlike last summer, will have an advantage in the negotiations.
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