Barcelona is targeting Nico Williams as a strategic acquisition to counterbalance Real Madrid’s recent high-profile signing of Kylian Mbappe, according to The Athletic. The club sees the Athletic Bilbao winger not just for his abilities on the field but as a tactical move to enhance their squad in response to Real Madrid’s latest acquisition.
However, Barcelona’s efforts to sign Nico are complicated by Athletic Bilbao’s strict position on his release clause. The Basque team insists that any club looking to secure Nico must pay the full €58 million release clause.
Several top clubs, including Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea, have shown interest in Nico Williams. Chelsea, in particular, has been monitoring him closely due to their long-standing interest in the Spanish international. Nico’s impressive performances have made him a top priority for Chelsea, especially in positions they want to strengthen.
Despite the interest, there are signs that Nico might remain at Athletic Bilbao for another season, partly due to his preference for a move to Barcelona. His representatives believe he may be willing to wait for a potential transfer to Barcelona rather than joining another club this summer.
The end of the European Championships has created opportunities for transfers, but Barcelona’s financial difficulties cast doubt on their ability to sign Nico this summer. Club president Joan Laporta has acknowledged that while Barcelona can afford the €58 million release clause, there are internal issues to resolve first. Some players are still not registered to play in La Liga due to contract issues, causing frustration within the squad. The club is publicly discussing new signings while also requesting patience from current players.
Nico Williams had an outstanding performance in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, developing a strong connection with Lamine Yamal. Yamal has publicly advocated for Nico to join Barcelona, seeing him as a crucial part of the team’s strategy to compete with Real Madrid’s signing of Mbappe. This endorsement highlights the strategic significance of Nico’s potential move to Barcelona, not only for his on-field talents but also for the broader tactical advantage in their rivalry with Real Madrid.
