As Barcelona look ahead to the 2025/26 season, bolstering their left wing remains a key objective—and Nico Williams has once again emerged as a leading target. The Athletic Club winger, who turned down Barcelona’s approach in 2024, now seems more receptive to a move to Camp Nou.
With the next phase of the summer transfer window opening in July, Williams is expected to be a hot commodity across Europe. Bayern Munich are reportedly very interested, while Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation closely.
Despite the competition, the 21-year-old is said to favor a move within Spain, with Barcelona being his preferred destination. However, there’s a major financial barrier to overcome.
€64 Million Release Clause Poses Major Challenge
Barcelona still view Liverpool’s Luis Díaz as their top target for the left wing. According to Mundo Deportivo, this is partly due to the steep financial requirements for landing Williams. Athletic Club insist that the full €64 million release clause must be paid in full and upfront—leaving no room for negotiation.
This demand is seen as a significant challenge for Barcelona, given their ongoing financial difficulties. In contrast, there’s hope that Liverpool might be more accommodating with payment terms for Díaz, even if the overall cost is similar.
Sales Needed to Fund Big Signings
To make a major signing this summer, Barcelona must first offload players to free up funds. Without those sales, the pursuit of Williams could stall—or fall apart altogether. Athletic Club remain unwavering: they’ll only let Williams leave if his release clause is fully met.
While Williams is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona, his future now hinges on whether the club can raise the required funds and if they choose to prioritize him over Díaz in the weeks ahead
