Barcelona will have to pay €58 million to sign Chelsea and Manchester City target - Reports
Barcelona have been told by Athletic Bilbao that they would have to pay the full release clause of Nico Williams if they intend to sign the highly rated winger this summer.
The 21-year-old winger has emerged as a transfer target for the Blaugrana this summer, with the player believed to be keen on a move to Camp Nou.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will have to cough out the full €58 million release clause being demanded by Williams' club, Athletic Bilbao, according to reports via Sport.
Bilbao are said to be adamant about accepting only the amount quoted in Williams' release clause and are not willing to negotiate a lower fee with Barca.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are also not expected to have a free run at the winger's signature, as there seems to be interest from Premier League heavyweights, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Williams, who is currently on international duty with the Spanish national team at the ongoing Euro 2024, is widely regarded as one of Europe's most promising wingers and would be a great addition to Hansi Flick's side.
It will be interesting to see if Barca will be able to land their transfer target, especially considering their current financial struggles.
Williams registered a combined total of eight goals and 16 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Bilbao last season.
Barcelona target speaks on his relationship with Lamine Yamal
It's no longer news that Barcalona transfer target Nico Williams seems to be good friends with club sensation Lamine Yamal.
Both players who are currently on international duty with the Spanish national team at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament have enjoyed some sort of bromance on and off the pitch.
Amid interest linking him with a move to Camp Nou this summer, Williams has spoken about his relationship with Barca youngster Yamal.
During an interview via La Vanguardia, he said:
"We get along very well. We’re not just team-mates, we’re also friends, and I think that’s something that also matters when it comes to leading a team to the big time."
Meanwhile, when quizzed about rumoured interest from Yamal's club, Barca, Williams responded by saying:
"I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship, and whatever comes after that I’ll find out because these days I’m totally disconnected.”