Nico Williams (foto: Getty Images)
Nico Williams has told Athletic Bilbao he wants to join Barcelona. The Catalans plan to pay his €58 million release clause in July.x
Nico Williams has taken the next step toward securing a summer move by officially informing Athletic Bilbao of his desire to leave the club and join Barcelona, according to The Athletic.
The 22-year-old Spain international is one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe, but from the very start, he has made it clear that Barça is his dream destination.
Barcelona’s main obstacle, as usual, is financial. While the club remains ambitious in the transfer market, they continue to wrestle with salary limits and registration restrictions imposed by La Liga.
Despite this, Barcelona reportedly plan to trigger Williams’ €58 million release clause in July, when the new financial year begins under Spanish tax law. That timing could allow them to structure the payment more favourably and manage player registration within La Liga’s salary cap system.
Athletic Bilbao are not keen to negotiate a lower fee and will only let Williams go if his full release clause is paid. The club remains firm in its stance but has now been formally notified of the player’s intention to depart.
For now, no deal is expected to be finalised before the end of June, but Barcelona are confident they can complete the transfer next month.