Barcelona reach verbal agreement with priority transfer target - Reports
Barcelona have reached an agreement on personal terms with Athletic Club attacker Nico Williams for a potential transfer. According to Jota Jordi on El Chiringuito TV, the agreement between the player's representatives and the club has been in place for a month now.
While they were believed to be looking at other players, the 21-year-old was the club's number one target heading into the transfer window. With one part of the transfer equation now settled, La Blaugrana will have to think about his transfer fee.
Williams is believed to have a €58 million release clause in the contract extension he signed last December. That figure may prove to be too high for a Barcelona side that have been facing financial constraints for the past two seasons. With Premier League sides such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool also showing interest, they will have to move quickly to secure the attacker's services.
Williams was a key figure for Athletic Club last season, scoring five goals and getting 14 assists in 31 La Liga games. He has shone for Spain at Euro 2024, bagging one goal and one assist in three appearances. His electric dribbling has proven to be a constant threat for La Roja who have been impressive throughout the tournament.
The addition of Williams on the left flank, combined with the emergence of Lamine Yamal on the right could give the Catalan side a potent attack for years.
Barcelona dealt blow as Manchester City make their stance clear on future of defender
Manchester City have made it clear to Barcelona that they are not willing to entertain loan offers for Joao Cancelo. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Cityzens are looking to cash in on the player, with interest from Saudi clubs registered.
Hansi Flick's side were keen on securing another loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season. However, with the relationship between Cancelo and Pep Guardiola having soured already, the Premier League giants are looking to secure a permanent deal.
Cancelo was a key part of Barcelona under Xavi, having joined them on a season-long loan deal last summer. He made 42 appearances across competitions, scoring four goals and setting up five more. His versatility to play as a full-back on either flank as well as in midfield has proven to be a valuable commodity to the team.
It remains to be seen if La Blaugrana can convince City for another loan deal. Their financial struggles mean they could find it difficult to match the transfer fees offered by the Saudi sides.