Barcelona Close to Signing Nico Williams After Reaching Verbal Agreement

Barcelona are inching closer to landing one of their top summer targets, with Nico Williams now verbally agreeing to join the club. The Athletic Bilbao winger has been on the radar of several European heavyweights, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but it’s the Catalan giants who have won him over. Williams has made it clear that Barcelona is his preferred destination.

The latest from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirms that personal terms have been agreed. Williams is set to sign a six-year contract until 2031, with an annual net salary of around €7-8 million — a bit lower than what had been speculated in previous reports. “Nico Williams and Barça have agreed personal terms on 6 year deal,” Romano wrote. “Agreement sealed on player’s contract until June 2031 with the salary in the region of €7/8m net per season. Barça are currently working on financial terms to get deal done with Athletic.” 

Although Barcelona don’t see the €60 million release clause as a stumbling block, they’re still figuring out how to create enough room in their wage structure to register Williams, which is holding up the final stages of the transfer. President Joan Laporta has been dropping hints. Speaking earlier this week, he told the club’s Senate, “We’re on the verge of making an imminent signing. We’ll surely be able to sign another player who excites us a lot.” That player now seems almost certain to be Nico. 

Barcelona have admired Williams for over a year. They initially wanted him last summer but couldn’t move forward because the signing of Dani Olmo had already stretched the club’s budget. This time around, though, Laporta is reportedly impressed by Williams’ desire to wear the Barça shirt, and recent meetings between the club and the player’s representatives have helped smooth the path. 

One major factor pushing the deal forward is Williams’ close friendship with Lamine Yamal. The thought of the two young stars linking up in the same team has clearly added to the appeal for both the player and the club. Though, Athletic Bilbao remain firm on the €60 million release clause. But once Barça get their financials sorted, the move should be good to go.  

Williams has come a long way since his senior debut in April 2020. Now 22, he’s made 167 appearances for Athletic, scoring 31 goals and providing 30 assists. Last season, he netted five times and set up five more in La Liga, while also playing a key role in Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League run — five goals and three assists in the competition earned him a place in the Team of the Season. 

Bayern Munich also made a move for him last month, especially after missing out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. But the Spanish international seems determined to join Barcelona, and unless something unexpected happens, the deal is only a matter of time. 

Also Read: Thomas Frank Sends Heartfelt Message to Postecoglou in First Interview as Spurs Boss