This is a case that has animated the last few weeks on the other side of the Pyrenees. Author of a high-flying 2023/2024 season with 8 goals and 19 assists in 37 matches, Nico Williams (22 years old) continued this during Euro 2024 with Spain. A starter and efficient, he won the competition with La Roja by asserting himself in the eyes of the general public. A great development for the Pamplona native that FC Barcelona intended to keep by recruiting him.
However, Athletic Club did not want to give up ground to their Catalan rivals. Convincing the player to stay for another season and giving him the number 10 that was available after the departure of Iker Muniain, Bilbao intends to continue the season with their nugget. According to The Mailthe team coached by Ernesto Valverde also wants to review his salary upwards with an extension of his contract which currently runs until 2027. The opportunity also to increase the player’s release clause which is set at 58 million euros.
Bilbao ready to take legal action
However, these discussions are not expected to begin before the end of the transfer window once calm has returned around Nico Williams. Moreover, Bilbao has done what is necessary to prevent FC Barcelona from going through with the matter. Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte reportedly met with La Liga president Javier Tebas to discuss this possible transfer. During this interview, Uriarte explained to the Spanish first division manager that if Barça paid Nico Williams’ release clause, he would take legal action against the Blaugranas.
In fact, Bilbao has examined the accounts of FC Barcelona and considers that it is impossible for the blaugrana club to pay Nico Williams’ clause while respecting the salary cap rules imposed in La Liga. In La Liga legislation, it is also possible to cancel an operation that does not respect the rules of the championship. A strong position from Bilbao that has already planned how to break the maneuvers of the Catalan club with regard to Nico Williams.
