Barcelona have reportedly taken a significant step toward securing the services of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, as a preliminary deal between the player and the Catalan giants has been struck.
According to an exclusive from French outlet Foot Mercato, Williams is expected to sign a long-term contract that would keep him at Camp Nou until 2031.
The report further reveals that the 22-year-old Spanish international is poised to earn €12 million gross annually if the transfer is finalized.
The development comes after weeks of speculation and follows meetings between Williams’ representatives and Barcelona’s sporting director Deco.
Santi Aouna, a journalist for Foot Mercato, confirmed the news via X, stating,”Barca has reached a pre-agreement with Nico Williams. Contract valid until June 2031, €12m gross per season,” he posted.
Despite this breakthrough, Barcelona must still reach a formal agreement with Athletic Club, with the Basque side said to be holding firm on Williams’ €60 million release clause.
The clause must be paid in full, which could present a financial hurdle for the La Liga champions.
The transfer chase for Williams has been competitive, with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich all previously showing interest.
However, Williams is reportedly keen to remain in Spain, a factor that strengthens Barcelona’s chances of completing the move.
With club president Joan Laporta now said to have greenlit the deal, impressed by Williams’ commitment, the club is pushing to wrap things up swiftly.
Should everything fall into place, Williams will link up with fellow Euro 2024 champion Lamine Yamal, forming a potentially explosive attacking duo.
Barcelona are aiming to reinforce their squad after an impressive 2024 campaign, where they clinched both the La Liga title and Copa del Rey, while also making a deep run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where they were knocked out by runners-up Inter Milan.
