Barcelona set a deadline to learn 22-year-old key target’s decision over future

The Nico Williams – Barcelona transfer saga continues to drag on as the Blaugrana refuse to throw in the towel in his pursuit while the Athletic Club winger continues to delay his response on a transfer.

The 22-year-old Spaniard appeared very likely to join Barcelona earlier in the summer but things have changed in recent days as he has joined training with Athletic Club, who are pressuring him to stay.

Barcelona, for their part, are refusing to give up and are even optimistic that Nico will join this summer.

August 24 set as deadline

However, despite their positivity, Barcelona are not willing to wait around for an answer from the UEFA Euro 2024 winner until the last days of the transfer window.

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barça have set a deadline of August 24 to learn Nico Williams’ decision over his future.

It is on that day that the Blaugrana take on Athletic Club in La Liga and as such they, as well as the Basque club, would prefer to have resolved the situation surrounding Williams by then.

If Nico’s response is positive, Barcelona have everything ready to activate his €58 million release clause and are confident there will be no problems with his registration.

However, in case the Spaniard’s answer is negative, the Catalans will activate alternative targets to strengthen the left flank.

Nico Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, knows the details of Barça’s offer, although the final say is up to the player, who relies on his immediate entourage when making the decision.

The 22-year-old’s brother and Athletic Club teammate, Inaki Williams, plays a key role here and has been trying to persuade the winger to continue with his current team for one more season.

On the Barcelona side, though, Nico’s chemistry with Lamine Yamal acts as a strong motivator for the attacker to consider making the switch. With still no resolution in sight, only time will tell where the winger ends up.