According to The Athletic, Barcelona is eyeing Nico Williams as a key acquisition to counterbalance Real Madrid’s recent high-profile signing of Kylian Mbappe. The club views the Athletic Bilbao winger not only for his skillset but also as a strategic move to strengthen their squad in response to Real Madrid’s latest acquisition.
However, Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams is complicated by Athletic Bilbao’s firm stance on his release clause. The Basque club has made it clear that any team interested in acquiring Nico must pay the full €58 million release clause.
Top clubs, including Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea, have also shown interest in Nico Williams. Chelsea, in particular, has been keeping a close eye on him due to their longstanding interest in the Spanish international. Nico’s impressive performances have made him a top priority for Chelsea, especially in the areas they aim to bolster.
Despite the widespread interest, there are indications that Nico might stay with Athletic Bilbao for another season, partly because he prefers a move to Barcelona. His representatives suggest that he may be willing to wait for a possible transfer to Barcelona rather than joining another club this summer.
With the conclusion of the European Championships, there are new opportunities for transfers, but Barcelona’s financial challenges cast doubt on their ability to sign Nico this summer. Club president Joan Laporta has acknowledged that while Barcelona can afford the €58 million release clause, there are internal issues that need to be addressed first. Some players are still not registered to play in La Liga due to contract issues, causing frustration within the squad. The club is publicly discussing new signings while also asking for patience from current players.
Nico Williams delivered an outstanding performance during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, forming a strong partnership with Lamine Yamal. Yamal has publicly endorsed Nico’s potential move to Barcelona, viewing him as a crucial addition to the team’s strategy to compete with Real Madrid’s acquisition of Mbappe. This endorsement underscores the strategic importance of Nico’s possible transfer to Barcelona, not just for his on-field abilities but also for the broader tactical advantage in their rivalry with Real Madrid.
