Spanish journalist Gerard Romeu has reported that FC Barcelona remains optimistic about completing the transfer of Athletic Bilbao’s standout player, Nico Williams, during the upcoming summer transfer window. Nico Williams has been a subject of transfer speculation due to his outstanding performances with the Spanish national team in the European Nations Cup, which have heightened interest in him.
Barcelona is currently regarded as the leading contender to acquire Williams. Joan Laporta, the club’s president, has indicated his willingness to meet the release clause in Williams’ contract, which is estimated to be approximately 60 million euros.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, Athletic Bilbao’s head coach, Ernesto Valverde, has decided not to include Nico Williams in the squad for the forthcoming friendly match against Stuttgart. This decision suggests that Williams might be on the verge of leaving the club this summer.
The newspaper further reported that Laporta is optimistic about finalizing the transfer of Williams before the end of the summer transfer window. Additionally, Williams’ family is increasingly convinced that a move to Barcelona is the right choice. The decision by Valverde to omit Williams from the Stuttgart match lineup is seen as an indication of the coach’s reluctance to depend on players whose futures are uncertain, thus adding weight to the ongoing speculation about Williams’ potential transfer to Barcelona.
