Catalan club waiting for president Laporta to assess whether a deal is financially viable
Barcelona have surged ahead of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the race to sign Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams.
The Catalan giants are now regarded as frontrunners to land the 22-year-old. Club boss Hansi Flick is keen on strengthening the left side of his attack ahead of next season.
Williams has a €58 million release clause in his contract, and while several European clubs have expressed interest, Barcelona appear closest to triggering a move.
President Joan Laporta is assessing whether the club can make the deal work under La Liga’s strict financial regulations, according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg. Barcelona are still working under an adjusted spending rule after falling short of the full salary cap clearance earlier this year.
If Laporta gives the green light, the club could move swiftly, with internal support from sporting director Deco and Flick.
Williams produced 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games in all competitions for Athletic Club last season, having produced eight goals and 18 assists in 2023-24.
Barcelona are also monitoring Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, although the Catalans have been told that the club are not prepared to let him leave Anfield, even if that means that he runs down his contract and leaves as a free agent in the summer of 2027.
