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Topscorer
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Barcelona 'GRUDGE' changes EVERYTHING for Nico Williams
Tom Weber
- Updated: 20 Jun 2025 18:12 BST
- 4 min read
News
Athletic Club will not make life easy for Barcelona in the Nico Williams saga, according to Spanish meda.
The Spain international is poised to belatedly join the Blaugrana after snubbing them last year. Williams is now desperate for the move, and has already agreed personal terms with the Catalans.
Williams has informed his other suitors, namely Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern, that he has his heart set on a move to Barcelona and that he will not be engaging in fresh talks with them unless his dream transfer collapses.
Current ETV
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
ETV Range
€63.5M - €77.7M
Despite having no issues on contract terms, the deal has yet to receive the final green light as Barcelona are still exploring whether signing Williams is even financially feasible.
His hefty wage - believed to be around €8 million net per season - in conjunction with his €60m price tag makes this operation anything but straightforward for Barcelona.
Athletic hold a grudge against Barcelona
According to Sport and MARCA, Athletic Club will not make life easy for Barcelona as president Jon Uriarte still holds a grudge after the Catalans' very public courtship of Williams last year.
Barcelona repeatedly briefed the media that Williams was their absolute top target after his stellar performances at Euro 2024, with the rampant speculation eventually reaching a point where Athletic felt compelled to lash out in a public statement.
This episode hasn't been forgotten by Athletic boss Uriarte, who is not willing to make any concessions to Barcelona. This means that the Blaugrana will have to trigger Williams' release clause.
The problem is that the figure stipulated in his clause - with reports varying on the exact value - will have to be paid in one lump sum rather than in instalments. This massively complicates the undertaking, even if Barcelona remain confident that they will sign Williams.
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