Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Spanish star Nico Williams as they work to bring the winger to Camp Nou this summer, according to reports.
Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Spanish star Nico Williams as they work to bring the winger to Camp Nou this summer, according to reports.
The Spanish giants have been long admirers of the Athletic Club player and have now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with the Euro 2024 star.
The report has revealed a meeting between Barca and Williams’ agent Felix Tainta, during which an agreement was made.
The club must now turn their attention the small matter of his hefty release clause, which sits at around €58m.
Despite financial concerns at the club, Barca remain confident in their ability to sign the player, with president Joan Laporta confirming the Catalan’s ‘commitment’ to the 21-year-old.
“Obviously I like him, a lot,” Laporta told El Mati de Catalunya Radio. “Today we can afford to sign Nico Williams. We can cope with a signing like Nico’s.
“We are working with Hansi Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave Deco the sporting director to close the operations we are working on. Soon we will be able to announce some good news with regard to the financial issues and we will be back within La Liga’s Fair Play limits. And that will allow further good news in terms of signings.”
Following an incredibly successful season with Athletic Club during which Williams made 37 appearances and registered eight goals and 19 assists, the player has since shone on the international stage with Spain – helping his side secure a place in the Euro 2024 final.
His talent has been admired by multiple clubs, with Arsenal and Chelsea keen to steal his signature this summer. He’s previously admitted that he will not wait forever for Barca, and so may engage in further conversations with other suitors if they cannot fork out his fee.
Spain, and Williams, will either face England or the Netherlands in the tournament final and will hope to lift European silverware in Germany.