Barcelona revive €62m Nico Williams pursuit after agent talks and wage twist

Agent meeting revives transfer talks

Barcelona have re-entered the race to sign Nico Williams, a transfer that was removed from the agenda earlier this summer due to high financial demands. Talks that had been suspended are now back on the table following a new internal assessment by the club’s board.

According to SPORT, the player’s agent recently travelled to Barcelona to hold a private meeting with sporting director Deco.

During the meeting, the Barcelona side reiterated their interest in Williams but made it clear that the transfer could only take place if economic conditions were favourable. The 22-year-old has a €62 million release clause in his contract, which is seen as a critical threshold in terms of the club’s spending limits.

Meanwhile, Foot Mercato reports that Williams previously demanded a €20 million salary from Bayern Munich but is now open to lowering that figure to join Barcelona. According to the report, the young winger is willing to accept the €12 million offer that Barcelona had made last summer.

Signals from the pitch and social media

It's not just the club talks that are attracting attention — player interactions are also sparking interest. Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal recently posted a photo with Williams. The duo, close friends in the national team, fuelled renewed transfer rumours with their post. Fabrizio Romano notes that Williams is now more eager to join Barcelona this summer and that negotiations are progressing positively.

This renewed interest is, of course, also fuelled by Williams’ on-field performances. In the 2024/25 season, he posted impressive numbers both in La Liga and on the European stage:

• La Liga: 29 matches – 5 goals, 5 assists

• UEFA Europa League: 13 matches – 5 goals, 3 assists

• Total: 10 goals – 8 assists

Williams, who had a standout season in terms of goal contributions, demonstrated his versatility in attack by excelling both as a creator and a finisher.

While Barcelona are repositioning themselves for this transfer, Athletic Club have also taken action. According to SPORT and Fabrizio Romano, the Basque club are preparing a new contract for the player to raise his release clause. The aim is to retain Williams in the face of interest from clubs like Barça, Bayern and Chelsea.

However, the final decision now lies with the player. Barcelona are exploring ways to make the transfer possible through wage restructuring and potential player sales. In Flick’s tactical setup, Williams is seen as a key piece thanks to his pace, dribbling ability and attacking impact.

What can Nico Williams bring to Barcelona?

La Liga champions Barcelona are looking to inject fresh energy into their attack with the signing of Nico Williams. The technically gifted star is seen as someone who can make a direct impact, particularly in wide areas.

Pace and vertical play: Williams is a player who makes penetrating off-the-ball runs, accelerates with the ball and beats defenders one-on-one. He can be particularly effective in matches where Barcelona struggle to break down tight defences.

Dribbling and width: As one of La Liga’s top dribblers among wingers, he could stretch opposing defences and create more space for players like Pedri and Dani Olmo in central areas.

Goal contributions: With 10 goals and 8 assists across all competitions last season, Williams offers not just speed and technique but also a consistent end product in the final third.

Potential chemistry with Yamal: As close friends in the national team, Lamine Yamal and Williams could develop a natural understanding if they play together at Camp Nou. The two young stars could dominate Barça’s flanks for years to come.

Investment in the future: At just 22, Williams’ physical and technical profile suggests he’s not only ready for the present but also has the potential to become one of the club’s attacking leaders in the future.