Barcelona activates Nico Williams deal option: eyes €58m release clause with Athletic Bilbao

FC Barcelona has taken a decisive step by activating their option to sign Nico Williams, who impressed with 11 goals and 7 assists this season. The club now faces a critical negotiation over the €58m release clause with Athletic Bilbao, intensifying the transfer saga amid cooling interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.

Sources:
Bavarian Football WorksFootball365
Updated 1h ago
Tab background
Sources: Bavarian Football WorksFootball365
Barcelona has officially activated the deal option for Nico Williams, signaling their intent to secure the 22-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao by meeting his €58 million release clause.

Williams, who has emerged as one of Europe's top young wingers, impressed during the 2024/25 season with eleven goals and seven assists. Initially expected to leave Athletic Bilbao in the 2024 summer transfer window, he instead committed to the club for another year.

The Catalan club now faces further negotiations with Williams' agent to finalize terms, as they push hard to complete the deal. This move is a setback for Bayern Munich, who had been keen to sign Williams and had conveyed an offer.

Other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, have reportedly cooled their pursuit amid Barcelona's aggressive approach. Williams' close relationship with Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, also a Spanish international, adds to the club's appeal.

"Barcelona have decided to activate the Nico Williams deal option after getting player’s total priority," sources confirmed.

The transfer saga highlights Williams' rising stock following his standout performances at last summer's European Championships for Spain, attracting interest from elite clubs across Europe.

With Barcelona now leading the race, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Williams will join the La Liga giants or move elsewhere.

"Barça will need more rounds of talks with his agent as they’d need to discuss terms of €58m release clause with Athletic," insiders added.

The club's pursuit underscores their ambition to strengthen their squad with young, dynamic talent ahead of the new season.
Sources: Bavarian Football WorksFootball365
Barcelona has activated the deal option for 22-year-old winger Nico Williams, eyeing his €58 million release clause with Athletic Bilbao. The club faces further talks with Williams' agent amid competition from Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Chelsea, as Williams impressed with 11 goals and 7 assists in the 2024/25 season.
Section 1 background
Key Facts
  • Barcelona have decided to activate the Nico Williams deal option after getting player’s total priority.Bavarian Football Works
  • Barcelona will need more rounds of talks with his agent as they’d need to discuss terms of the €58m release clause with Athletic Bilbao.Bavarian Football Works
  • Bayern Munich was looking to make a big splash with Williams during the summer but will face disappointment if Barcelona’s move advances.Bavarian Football Works
  • Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their pursuit of Williams as Barcelona is pushing hard and Bayern Munich conveyed an offer.Football365
  • Nico Williams scored eleven goals and provided seven assists during the 2024/25 campaign, raising his profile as one of the best young wingers in Europe.Football365
  • Barcelona’s interest in Williams increased due to Liverpool’s reluctance to sell Luis Diaz, their initial preferred candidate, and Williams’ close bond with Lamine Yamal, a Spain teammate.Football365
Barcelona have decided to activate the Nico Williams deal option after getting player’s total priority.
Bavarian Football Works
Bavarian Football Works
22-year-old has emerged as one of the best young wingers in Europe and has been linked with several elite clubs after shining for Spain at last summer’s European Championships. Williams was initially expected to leave boyhood club Athletic Bilbao during the 2024 summer window, but he decided to commit to the La Liga outfit for another year and grabbed eleven goals and seven assists during the 2024/25 campaign.
Football365
Football365
Key Stats at a Glance
Release clause amount
€58m
Bavarian Football Works
Article not found
⌂ CuriousCats.ai

Article

‹

Source Citations