Barcelona remain keen on bolstering their left wing ahead of the 2025/26 season, and Nico Williams is once again high on their wishlist. The Athletic Club star was previously a target in 2024, and despite rejecting their approach then, he now reportedly favors a move to the Camp Nou.
With the summer transfer window’s second phase set to open in July, Williams is expected to be at the center of major interest from top European clubs. Bayern Munich view him as a priority, while Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea are also closely monitoring his situation.
However, despite the strong competition, Williams’ current preference is to stay in Spain — ideally with Barcelona. But there’s a major stumbling block standing in the way.
Release Clause Poses a Problem for Barça
Barcelona’s technical team still sees Liverpool’s Luis Díaz as their top choice for the left flank. According to Mundo Deportivo, that’s partly because of the steep cost attached to Nico Williams’ release clause — a fixed amount of €64 million that Athletic Club is demanding in full and without negotiation.
Within the Barça hierarchy, this clause is viewed as an “inconvenience”, especially considering their delicate financial situation. By contrast, they believe Liverpool might accept a more flexible payment plan for Díaz, even if the overall cost is similar.
Sales Required Before Any Big Move
To make any major signings this summer, Barcelona will need to offload players and raise funds — a reality that could delay or even derail their pursuit of Nico Williams. Athletic Club has made it clear: there will be no negotiations, and the only way to secure Williams is by activating the full release clause.
So while Barcelona remains his preferred destination, the outcome of this transfer saga will depend heavily on the club’s ability to generate funds and decide between their two primary options — Díaz and Williams.
