Nico Williams sends Lamine Yamal wild as ‘things change’ in transfer saga

Robin Bairner

• 14 Jun 2025 13:00 BST
• 5 min read

News

Nico Williams’ transfer saga continues to twist and turn, with the emergence of Barcelona a major development in the race to sign the Spain winger – but Fabrizio Romano says don’t rule out Arsenal yet.

Barcelona change Nico transfer stance

Shock news arrived on Friday when it was confirmed that Nico Williams’ agent had met with Barcelona to discuss a potential transfer.

The door to such a deal appeared to have been slammed shut by president Joan Laporta earlier in the window. Barcelona were upset that Nico, who has a release fee worth €58 million in his Athletic Club contract, knocked them back last summer.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

€70.6M

ETV Range

€63.5M - €77.7M

View full profile

Now Mundo Deportivo states that this stance has softened. It claims that “things have changed” at Camp Nou and that there is a possibility that the Spain winger might yet make his way to the Blaugrana this summer.

However, the same source also indicates that Liverpool winger Luis Diaz remains the Catalans’ priority. The Colombia winger is liable to cost a far greater transfer fee than the 22-year-old, however.

Lamine Yamal’s Instagram reaction

The news that Barcelona have re-opened talks with Nico Williams has been greeted with clear joy by Lamine Yamal. With the two Spain team-mates great friends, the 17-year-old Ballon d’Or candidate swiftly took to Instagram to celebrate.

He posted an image of himself and Nico in Spain action embracing after a goal. It was a not-so-subtle hint that he is desperate to hook up with his club-mate at Camp Nou next season.

What does Fabrizio Romano have to say about the deal?

Romano confirmed the talks between Nico Williams’ people and Barcelona on Friday, but he cautioned that there’s still a long way to go before any transfer will be made.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich remain firmly in the picture, according to the popular football transfer reporter.

Taking to his YouTube channel, he said: “Big movements at Barcelona because as the agent of Nico Williams had a direct meeting with sporting director Deco. It was a face-to-face meeting. One year after the big saga of Nico, again it's Barcelona and Nico Williams. Now is the player going to send a clear message to Barcelona? The understanding is that he opened the door to a move to Barca this summer.

“It really depends on Barcelona now. We know he's not the only option and that it's an important deal with his release clause and salary. The whole package is big. But the message Barcelona received in their meeting on Friday was a very positive one, with the player opening the doors. Nico Williams is convinced about Barcelona.

“Don't forget the other clubs. Bayern have already had two meetings in the last seven days, so really intense contacts. They're also there. Financially the salary requested by Nico is the real issue with this deal.

“And then don't forget Arsenal. They like the player. The release clause is not a problem but it's about how much the player wants.

“With Barcelona in the conversation, we have to see what they decide to do. They were not very happy with Nico Williams a year ago when he was not so convinced about the move. They decided to go very strongly for Dani Olmo - a player who really wanted to go to Barcelona. Now the situation is the opposite.

“The other factor is Athletic Club. They've already told Nico Williams that if he stays they have another contract proposal for him. It's an even better salary compared to the current one. It's a record one for the club.”

According to Romano, everything is still possible for Nico this summer.

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