Barcelona laying the groundwork to sign €50 million winger in 2025

Barcelona’s interest in signing Nico Williams is more than evident. The 21-year-old Athletic Club winger has a contract until 2027, but Los Leones have made peace with the fact that they will not be able to keep the player till then.

As such, a report from SPORT has emerged, saying that Barcelona aim to sign Nico ideally in 2025 and for that, they have already begun laying the groundwork for this potential move.

It is to be noted that Nico was set to be a free agent at the end of the season, but Athletic Club convinced him to stay in December 2023 by tying him down to a new deal, while putting a €50 million clause in it.

Nico will not betray Bilbao

Meanwhile, Nico has made it clear that he would do not betray Athletic in any way. His current contract speaks volumes about his loyalty and appreciation, even though he is not the highest earner on the team.

But there is a clear path for his transfer, one that aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s interests.

Nico Williams has a contract with Bilbao until 2027. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

It is pretty obvious that Nico is in demand, especially with that tempting release clause and he has got the final say. As for Barcelona, they have already started making moves, and they seem to have Nico’s approval in the bag. 

What is Barcelona’s plan?

Nico’s plan was to win a title with Athletic Club and then spend a year in Europe, preferably in the Champions League. For now, he has ticked off the title and Europa League, with the Champions League tantalizingly close.

And then there’s another factor: the Europa League final is in Bilbao, adding fuel to his dream of departing in style. Despite all this, he is leaning towards staying in La Liga.

Above all, the Premier League poses a threat, but if all goes according to plan, Barcelona will be ready to seal the deal in 2025. 

That is not to say they would not jump at the chance to make the move this summer if things align, but it is clear that Barcelona and Nico both have a certain path in mind.