Nico Williams nears Barcelona transfer but can they register him?

Bayern Munich & Arsenal miss out 

Nico Williams was one of the most talked about players during last summer’s transfer window but he’s finally expected to depart Athletic Club this summer. After shining as Spain won Euro 2024, Williams had significant interest from several clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but he decided to remain at his boyhood for a final season. Williams was instrumental as Athletic Club won their first major trophy in 40 years in 2024 with the Copa del Rey but he was unable to lead them to the Europa League final on home soil in Bilbao last season.

Winning the Europa League in the Basque country was pivotal in Williams rejecting advances from European giants last summer. The Spanish international scored 11 goals and provided seven assists across 45 games but he will spark a transfer battle with his intention to seek a new challenge this summer. Williams has a contract at Athletic until 2027 but it contains a €58 million release clause which represents good value, but where will he end up?

Nico Williams: Barcelona leading race for Spanish international

It’s understood that Williams’ preference is to join Barcelona and remain in LaLiga. The 22-year-old enjoys a close relationship with Lamine Yamal and the duo could form a formidable duo on the wings for the Catalan giants for the next decade. According to some reports in Spain, Williams has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona with president Joan Laporta reportedly impressed by his desire to join the club.

Bayern Munich were strongly interested in signing Williams and were willing to make a move but they switched their attention to other targets after it was established that the winger’s preference was to remain in Spain. Arsenal held a long-term interest in Williams and it was also reported in Spain that Real Madrid were monitoring his situation. While Williams appears destined to join Barcelona this summer, one significant obstacle is whether the Spanish giants afford his wages currently, Barca’s financial issues across the last few seasons are well documented and they’ve struggled to register players due to Financial Fair Play regulations - like Dani Olmo last season. Barcelona will likely have to offload at least one high earning player from their squad before registering Williams but his desire to join Yamal & Co is clear.