Nico Williams from Athletic Club is one player attracting a lot of attention, especially after his performance at UEFA Euro 2024 as he helped Spain lift the trophy.
Earlier this month, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that PSG could wait in the winds and plot a swoop, much like Bayern Munich did with Michael Olise. Moreover, a report last month from CaughtOffside highlighted that Williams has become a target for several top clubs.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain are among those showing interest. Due to the clubs’ keen on Williams, the Catalan side might face a financial disadvantage.
Athletic Club are unwilling to negotiate for their best player and demands full payment of the release clause, which amounts to €58 million. Additionally, they are not willing to split the payments, so any team looking to sign Williams must pay the entire amount upfront.
Barcelona does not have much liquidity at the moment, so it is looking for ways to raise the €58 million. Cadena SER reports (h/t Diario AS) that Barcelona might seek another loan to pay the forward’s release clause.
If they manage to get it, the most challenging part might be creating salary space in the squad. For that to happen, some players would need to leave, preferably those with high wages, since Williams will have a high salary.
Barcelona and the player are progressing on contractual matters after Deco and the player’s agent, Félix Tainta, met on Wednesday in Zaragoza.
