Not very long ago, Barcelona were strongly linked with a move for Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams.
The young winger’s contract with the Basque club was set to run out at the end of the season and he was seen as a target to reinforce the left flank.
However, the rumours died down after Nico signed a new contract with Athletic, extending his stay at the club until 2027, although with a release clause of €50 million.
Barcelona still have Nico Williams on their agenda
Now, SPORT’s Toni Juanmarti reports that Barcelona still have Nico Williams on their agenda and have maintained contacts with the 21-year-old’s camp.
Barcelona are well aware of the delicate reality of fair play. But that does not mean that the club should not do its homework and have a clear roadmap in case it has room for manoeuvre in the summer.
For that reason, the Catalan heavyweights still have Nico very high on their transfer wishlist despite his contract renewal with a €50 million release clause.
Nico is very much liked at Barça, because of his profile and the fact that he plays on the left, where Xavi Hernandez’s team are somewhat short-handed.
Nico would love to join Barcelona
The report also states that Nico would be open to donning the Blaugrana shirt if an opportunity presented itself.
The possibility of taking the next step in his career appeals to him and the fact that he is close to several Barcelona players is an added advantage.
However, the 21-year-old, who has six goals and 13 assists for Athletic this season, is happy at the Basque club and will never consider forcing an exit.
In a healthy financial situation, the release clause of €50 million would have been seen as a viable figure at Barça but the reality is different.
The Catalans are aware that they will need to do some work and raise capital, either through sales or sponsorship deals, in order to achieve the 1:1 ruling, which would then allow them to go after someone like Nico.
