Barcelona close in on Nico Williams after report claims terms agreed

Barcelona’s long pursuit of Nico Williams has edged forward with reports the Athletic Bilbao winger has agreed contract terms with the Spanish champions.

Barca tried to sign Williams last summer as they attempted to pair him with Lamine Yamal after the duo spearheaded Spain’s success at the European Championship.

The 22-year-old opted to remain at Athletic, however,  and Barca instead signed his international colleague Dani Olmo.

🚨🔵🔴 Nico Williams and Barça have agreed personal terms on 6 year deal!

Agreement sealed on player’s contract until June 2031 with the salary in the region of €7/8m net per season.

Barça are currently working on financial terms to get deal done with Athletic. pic.twitter.com/9iP8eAWEpc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2025

But it seems Williams is now more receptive to a move with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming the player has negotiated a six-year contract worth in the region of €7/8million net per season.

Williams has a release clause at San Mames worth a reported €62m which Barca appear confident of being able to match despite the well-documented financial issues that have dogged the club over recent years.

Club chiefs, including sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick, have been in Ibiza this week discussing transfers and have green-lighted a move for Williams, 24 hours after it was confirmed Joan Garcia would be joining from cross-town rivals Espanyol.

Where would Williams play?

Williams’ arrival would add depth but also create an issue for Flick as his wide positions are already occupied by Yamal and Raphinha, who was outstanding last season with 31 goals and 17 assists across 50 games in La Liga and the Champions League.

Barca’s off-field position appears to have improved with president Joan Laporta stating on Tuesday that they are now able to comply with La Liga’s 1:1 rule that means revenue must be equal or in excess of spending.

Speaking to the Barcelona Senate, made up of 1,000 of the club’s most senior members,  Laporta said: “The economic situation is getting stronger. We do not want any other board to suffer what we have suffered.

“We are about to make a signing and we are very excited about his incorporation. The fact of being at 1:1 allows us to sign normally and we will continue on this line.”

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