Barcelona learn transfer fee required to sign 21-year-old target this summer - Reports
Barcelona have reportedly learned the amount they would have to cough up in order to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club will need to meet the Spain international's €58 million release clause to complete the deal.
Williams predominantly operates down the left flank for his club, and this position at Camp Nou hasn't been tied down by anybody. While Lamine Yamal is seemingly the first choice on the right wing, the likes of Raphinha and Ferran Torres will be competing for a spot on the left.
As a result, the 21-year-old attacker has the opportunity to join the Blaugrana and make this position his own. However, Romano also clarified that Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte has maintained that Williams is happy with his current employers.
On top of that, Barcelona's financial problems may disable them from making such a move in the first place. Further, the club are going through a bit of rebuild after former manager Xavi's departure in the summer. Ex-Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has taken over.
They endured a rather average season last time out, losing out on the La Liga title by 10 points in the end to Real Madrid. The Catalans were also knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the final eight.
Amid these circumstances, Williams may be better off spending another season with Athletic Club. Last year, he made 37 appearances across competitions, bagging eight goals and 19 assists.
Barcelona-linked Luis Diaz addresses transfer rumors
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has also been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer. As per reports, a deal for the Colombia international would cost the Blaugrana around €75 million.
However, the 27-year-old winger has clarified that he's happy with the Reds and seemingly pledged his future to the Anfield faithful. He was quoted as saying by SPORT (via Barca Universal):
"I'm very happy there at Liverpool, it's a great team and club, I've always wanted to play there, so I'm very happy and calm."
"I'm not thinking about anything else, I'm thinking about the national team, that's where we are."
Last season, Diaz made 51 appearances across competitions for Liverpool, bagging 13 goals and five assists. He's currently with his national team as they prepare for their first match of Copa America against Paraguay on Monday (June 24).